Both Boeing and Airbus are leading aircraft manufacturers with excellent safety records. The "safest" depends less on the manufacturer and more on factors like airline safety practices, maintenance quality, and pilot training.
Modern Aircraft: Both companies build state-of-the-art planes equipped with advanced safety systems. Examples include the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
Accident Rates: Historically, both have similar accident rates when adjusted for the number of planes in operation.
Regulation: Aircraft from both manufacturers undergo rigorous certification by aviation authorities like the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe).
Human Factors: Pilot error, which can occur regardless of the aircraft, plays a role in most accidents.
Model-Specific Incidents: Certain models like the Boeing 737 MAX faced scrutiny after two fatal crashes, leading to global grounding. However, it has since undergone extensive safety improvements.
Airline Operation: Airlines’ adherence to maintenance schedules and safety standards impacts safety far more than the brand of the aircraft.
Both Airbus and Boeing build some of the safest planes in the world. Airline choice and operational standards are more critical factors for safety than the manufacturer itself.