Who Are the Major Airplane Manufacturing Companies?

By
Brian Beers
Full Bio
Brian Beers is a digital editor, writer, Emmy-nominated producer, and content expert with 15+ years of experience writing about corporate finance & accounting, fundamental analysis, and investing.
Learn about our editorial policies
Updated April 05, 2022
Reviewed by
JeFreda R. Brown
Dr. Brown
Reviewed by JeFreda R. Brown
Full Bio
Dr. JeFreda R. Brown is a financial consultant, Certified Financial Education Instructor, and researcher who has assisted thousands of clients over a more than two-decade career. She is the CEO of Xaris Financial Enterprises and a course facilitator for Cornell University.
Learn about our Financial Review Board
Fact checked by
Katrina Munichiello
Katrina Avila Munichiello
Fact checked by Katrina Munichiello
Full Bio

Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, writer, fact-checker, and proofreader with more than fourteen years of experience working with print and online publications.

Learn about our editorial policies

Although the airline industry overall is an extremely competitive market, there is little competition among its suppliers of aircraft. In the large commercial aircraft market of the airline supply business, the major players are American-based Boeing (BA) and the Airbus Group, formerly known as the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS). 

Less well-known makers of large passenger airplanes are attempting to build a bigger presence on the world's stage. In addition, there are regional airplane manufacturers with an established foothold as makers of smaller jets. Then, there are those companies that supply essential components to the aircraft makers.

Key Takeaways

  • The global airplane manufacturing market's estimated value was $413.51 in 2021.
  • The world's only major large passenger aircraft manufacturers are Boeing and Airbus.
  • Boeing's and Airbus's established jet brands are the 7-series and A-series, respectively.
  • Up-and-coming large passenger airplane makers include Comac in China, Mitsubishi in Japan, and UAC in Russia.
  • Based on deliveries, Airbus takes the top spot as the largest airplane manufacturer in the world.

The Airplane Manufacturing Market

The airplane manufacturing market is part of the overall airline industry. The global market's estimated value was $413.51 billion in 2021. Companies in this market are involved in the manufacturing of airplanes and their components, including engines and propulsion systems.

Large Passenger Airplane Manufacturers

Boeing and Airbus are the world's only major large passenger aircraft manufacturers. The two companies share almost exclusive control of the worldwide airplane supply business for large commercial jets. Their established brands are Boeing's 7-series and Airbus's A-series of jets. These aircraft include narrow-body aircraft, wide-body aircraft, and jumbo jets.

Regional and Other International Airplane Manufacturers

Bombardier, based in Canada, and Embraer, a Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, are leaders in the regional and business airplanes market. They both focus on smaller-sized jets.

On a global scale, competition with Boeing and Airbus is difficult. However, newer airline suppliers Comac in China, Mitsubishi in Japan, and UAC in Russia are working on a series of new wide-body jets in a joint venture. They hope to eventually become a legitimate competitor that can take on the dominance of Boeing and Airbus in the large-jet space.

Military Airplane Manufacturers

Boeing and Airbus have a significant market share in the supply of military aircraft, particularly to the United States. Their competition in this market includes Lockheed Martin. Just under half of Boeing's revenues came from U.S. government contracts in 2021. Only 20% of Airbus' revenues came from defense contracts in 2020.

Suppliers to Airplane Manufacturers

Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX) and General Electric are two significant companies that manufacture engines and parts for industry operators. Raytheon and military aircraft maker United Technologies merged in 2020.

Boeing comes in second as the largest airplane manufacturer in the world due to manufacturing problems that led the Federal Aviation Administration to demand that it halt deliveries of its 787 model.

Who Are The World's Largest Airplane Manufacturers?

Boeing and Airbus are the two biggest airplane manufacturers in the world. Together, they own nearly 90% of the market.

Who Is the Largest Aircraft Manufacturer?

Airbus is the world's top commercial airplane manufacturer in airplanes delivered. Boeing's deliveries stalled due to the grounding of certain aircraft and the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Many Airplane Manufacturers Are There?

There are approximately a dozen airplane manufacturers in the world, with the two largest being Boeing and Airbus.

Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. Polaris Market Research. "Aircraft Manufacturing Market Size Global Report, 2022-2033."

  2. The Seattle Times. "With Boeing Production Stalled, Airbus Remains No. 1 Jet Maker."

  3. The Boeing Company. "2021 Annual Report."

  4. Airbus. "Financial Results and Annual Reports," Download "Airbus Annual Report 2020," Page 107.

  5. Raytheon Technologies. "United Technologies and Ratheon Complete Merger of Equals Transaction."