This is a storied airplane.  It has been serving the airline industry for over 40 years. There is no other airliner like it. For an airplane born out of an idea for a niche this is more than remarkable – it is a bulls eye with no aerospace equal. It may never be equaled. It will be 2030 before the A320 reaches this service length.

But as the airplane enters its latest phase, there are wrinkles on the edges.  Newsweek hammers the airplane. While it is true the older models are prone to the tears in the hull.  But keep the perspective – it has happened very few times.  Consider the frequency of "issues" in comparison to the fact that a 737 takes off every two seconds every day.  Flying one should never be a question.  If, as a passenger, you have doubts consider this. Pilots and crew fly theme every day. They know this plane as well as anyone – they don't even hesitate to go to work on them.  The airplane is simply remarkable.  It is an awesome machine and testimony to the amazing work aerospace engineers and mechanics do.   Speak to anyone in the business of building airplanes (regardless of where they work) and notice how their eyes grow a tad misty when talking about the business.  If these people give you an airplane then fly it.  They love their work and know you are safe – their jobs depend on it.

That said, the 737 is getting knocked by somebody with influence and his comments have nothing to do with the airplane's inherent abilities.  This view is a financial view – regardless of this view, the 737 is the best selling airliner.