Key aircraft that could decide the battle between Airbus and Boeing

The aircraft wars being waged by Boeing and Airbus cover planes ranging from 100-seat short-haul jets to 500-seat superjumbos. Here is a look at their latest programmes.

Boeing

787 Dreamliner (2011)

For its much-publicised and much-delayed new aircraft, Boeing brought in new designs and production processes for the Dreamliner. Now three years behind schedule, it is expected to enter service this year with ANA of Japan. The 787 remains one of the fastest-selling jets of all time.

747-8 (2011)

Adding 5.6 metres in length to the jumbo jet, the 747-8 will be delivered to an all-cargo company this year. Rather than take on the Airbus A380 superjumbo with an all-new design, Boeing opted to stretch its jumbo jet and add more aerodynamic wings and avionics.

737 upgrade (2015-2020)

Boeing expects to make a decision this year on whether to follow Airbus and add a new engine on its 737, which will create an 11 per cent saving in fuel, or design an all-new short-haul jet. An updated version could be introduced in 2015, while the option for an all-new design would not enter service until 2019 or 2020.

Airbus

A380 (2008)

Airbus's biggest plane and its biggest gamble, the A380, or superjumbo, wins rave reviews from customers and airlines. But the programme cost Airbus an estimated US$25 billion (Dh91.82bn) and a break-even date for the programme is uncertain.

Its biggest support has come from Emirates Airline, which has 15 in operation and another 75 on order. The A380 costs $300 million at list prices.

A350 (2013)

For two decades, Airbus has watched as Boeing dominated the long-haul, wide-body jet market with the 777, a plane that forms the backbone of many international airlines.

Now Airbus is building the A350 as a competitor that uses lightweight composite materials, and has received hundreds of orders from Gulf airlines.

A320Neo (2015)

Taking advantage of new engine technology, Airbus began offering the Neo in December with entry into service in 2015.

Taken together with new blended winglets, the new engines will help to shave up to 15 per cent fuel efficiency for airlines, a major plus as oil prices continue to climb.