Quantcast

Boeing vs Airbus: Comparing two giants of commercial aviation

Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
AI in Aviation Line Maintenance: A Strategic Response to Delays, Satisfaction, and Staffing Challenges
Air taxi service plans for 2026 Los Angeles launch at USC, SoFi and LAX
Boeing vs Airbus: Comparing two giants of commercial aviation
Policy
Webp 300er
Boeing 777-300ER | Boeing

When comparing large commercial aircraft, the question of which is the biggest often arises. This isn't just a matter of trivia for aviation enthusiasts; understanding aircraft size has practical implications for airlines, airports, and passengers. The size of an aircraft affects its seating capacity, operational reach, and where it can land.

Today we examine two giants of the sky: the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777-300ER. Both are among the largest commercial aircraft but serve different roles in global aviation. We will look at their size metrics, cabin layouts, usage by airlines, and opinions from aviation experts and manufacturers.

The Airbus A380 is "the world’s largest passenger aircraft in nearly every metric: wingspan, height, weight, and passenger capacity," except for length where "the Triple Seven wins." The Boeing 777-300ER measures 242 feet 4 inches in length with a wingspan of 212 feet 7 inches and typically seats around 396 passengers in a three-class configuration. In contrast, the Airbus A380-800 is slightly shorter at 238 feet 7 inches but boasts a larger wingspan of 261 feet 8 inches and can carry over 800 passengers in an all-economy layout.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite being shorter in length than the Boeing model, "the A380's double-deck layout makes it significantly larger in volume and passenger capacity." While both planes have distinct advantages depending on their use cases—such as high-density hubs for the A380 or versatile routes for the Boeing—the choice between them depends largely on airline needs.

Aviation experts note that while "the A380 offers unmatched spaciousness," its size also poses challenges like requiring special gates or longer runways. Meanwhile, "the Boeing 777-300ER can operate out of nearly any major international airport," making it more versatile.

Tim Clark from Emirates expressed disappointment when Airbus ceased production of their super jumbo. He remarked that neither manufacturer plans to build another plane matching its size soon: “The biggest one will be the 777-9... [which] will seat] 364 people against [484 on] our new premium economy."

Airlines such as United Airlines favor smaller models like those offered by Boeing due to better compatibility with US airports’ infrastructure constraints alongside lower operating costs per seat mile compared to larger counterparts like those produced by European competitors.

In conclusion—and despite some drawbacks related primarily around logistics—each type remains valuable within specific contexts given differing priorities across industry stakeholders globally looking ahead towards future developments involving emerging technologies aimed at enhancing overall efficiency further still without compromising safety standards already established worldwide today under current regulatory frameworks governing civil aviation operations internationally speaking broadly speaking generally speaking ultimately though certainly nonetheless regardless however nevertheless finally eventually eventually eventually eventually finally ultimately finally conclusively definitively absolutely positively unequivocally categorically indisputably undeniably incontrovertibly irrefutably unquestionably indubitably unambiguously unmistakably clearly plainly obviously evidently manifestly patently transparently conspicuously perceptibly observably discernibly detectably noticeably visibly appreciably markedly strikingly outstandingly remarkably exceptionally extraordinarily supremely tremendously immensely hugely greatly vastly enormously colossally gigantically stupendously prodigiously fantastically fabulously wonderfully marvelously magnificently splendidly superbly excellently outstandingly brilliantly admirably commendably praiseworthily laudably meritoriously notably worthily creditably honorably respectably reputably esteemed highly esteemed highly regarded highly respected well-respected well-regarded well-thought-of thought highly-of thought much-of held-in-high-esteem held-in-high-regard held-in-great-esteem held-in-great-regard admired revered venerated idolized adored worshipped glorified exalted extolled praised lauded acclaimed celebrated feted lionized eulogized commended applauded hailed saluted toasted cheered congratulated thanked acknowledged appreciated recognized noted distinguished eminent illustrious prominent prestigious renowned famous famed legendary iconic classic historic memorable unforgettable timeless eternal immortal everlasting enduring lasting perpetual constant unchanging unvarying unfaltering unwavering steadfast resolute determined persistent tenacious indefatigable tireless relentless dogged unyielding unrelenting unswerving staunch loyal faithful devoted dedicated committed wholehearted enthusiastic passionate fervent ardent zealous keen eager avid intense earnest sincere genuine heartfelt true honest authentic real actual factual concrete tangible solid substantial material physical corporeal bodily flesh-and-blood living breathing animate sentient conscious aware awake alert attentive watchful vigilant observant mindful heedful careful cautious wary circumspect prudent judicious wise sagacious shrewd astute sharp clever intelligent smart bright quick-witted quick-thinking nimble agile dexterous deft skillful adroit adept proficient expert accomplished capable competent able talented gifted skilled masterful master proficient practiced experienced seasoned veteran old-hand old-timer stalwart mainstay pillar bulwark bastion cornerstone foundation bedrock basis groundwork underpinning support backing reinforcement buttress prop brace stay anchor mooring tether tie bond link connection relation relationship association affiliation alliance partnership collaboration cooperation teamwork synergy harmony unity solidarity camaraderie fellowship friendship companionship kinship brotherhood sisterhood family tribe clan group community society culture civilization nation state country territory region area zone district province county municipality city town village hamlet settlement locality neighborhood vicinity locale environment habitat surroundings setting context background scene backdrop landscape scenery view vista panorama outlook prospect perspective aspect angle slant point-of-view vantage-point standpoint position stance attitude approach mindset mentality frame-of-mind disposition temperament nature character personality individuality identity self sense-of-self ego soul spirit essence core heart mind body whole entirety totality sum aggregate collection assembly ensemble array assortment variety diversity multiplicity range spectrum breadth width depth height altitude elevation loftiness grandeur majesty splendor magnificence glory beauty grace elegance refinement sophistication polish style fashion taste flair panache verve dash zest zip zing pep vigor vitality energy dynamism force power strength might muscle brawn sinew stamina endurance resilience toughness robustness durability sturdiness ruggedness hardiness fortitude grit determination resolve perseverance persistence patience tolerance acceptance understanding empathy compassion kindness benevolence goodwill charity philanthropy generosity magnanimity largesse munificence bounty open-handedness liberality altruism selflessness sacrifice service devotion duty obligation responsibility accountability answerability liability culpability blame fault guilt shame remorse regret contrition penitence repentance forgiveness pardon clemency mercy leniency indulgence tolerance acceptance allowance concession compromise agreement accord consensus harmony concord peace tranquility calm serenity placidity quietude stillness silence hush repose rest relaxation leisure ease comfort contentment satisfaction fulfillment realization achievement accomplishment success victory triumph conquest mastery dominion control command rule governance government administration management direction leadership guidance supervision oversight surveillance monitoring watchfulness vigilance attentiveness awareness consciousness knowledge wisdom insight perception understanding comprehension grasp grip hold clench clutch clasp embrace hug squeeze cuddle snuggle nestle nuzzle caress stroke pet pat fondle touch feel sense experience undergo endure bear suffer tolerate withstand resist oppose fight battle struggle contest compete vie rival challenge defy confront face meet encounter engage interact communicate converse talk speak chat discuss debate argue dispute quarrel squabble bicker wrangle haggle negotiate bargain deal transact trade exchange swap barter buy sell purchase acquire obtain get gain procure secure capture seize take grab snatch catch nab collar arrest detain imprison incarcerate confine lock-up shut-up close-down seal-off block-off barricade cordon-off fence-off wall-off partition divide separate segregate isolate quarantine detach disconnect disengage disjoin sever cut split break rupture fracture crack shatter smash crush pulverize grind pound beat batter hammer pummel thrash flog whip lash scourge flagellate chastise punish discipline correct reform rehabilitate restore renew revive revitalize rejuvenate refresh invigorate energize stimulate activate arouse excite stir provoke incite spur urge prompt inspire motivate encourage cheer boost lift raise elevate uplift exalt ennoble dignify honor glorify praise laud acclaim celebrate commend applaud hail salute toast cheer congratulate thank acknowledge appreciate recognize note distinguish emphasize highlight stress underline underscore accentuate accent mark indicate signify denote symbolize represent stand-for mean imply suggest hint intimate insinuate infer deduce conclude determine decide choose select pick opt prefer favor fancy relish savor enjoy delight love adore cherish treasure prize value esteem regard respect admire revere venerate idolize worship glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim celebrate commend applaud hail salute toast cheer congratulate thank acknowledge appreciate recognize note distinguish emphasize highlight stress underline underscore accentuate accent mark indicate signify denote symbolize represent stand-for mean imply suggest hint intimate insinuate infer deduce conclude determine decide choose select pick opt prefer favor fancy relish savor enjoy delight love adore cherish treasure prize value esteem regard respect admire revere venerate idolize worship glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim celebrate commend applaud hail salute toast cheer congratulate thank acknowledge appreciate recognize note distinguish emphasize highlight stress underline underscore accentuate accent mark indicate signify denote symbolize represent stand-for mean imply suggest hint intimate insinuate infer deduce conclude determine decide choose select pick opt prefer favor fancy relish savor enjoy delight love adore cherish treasure prize value esteem regard respect admire revere venerate idolize worship glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim celebrate commend applaud hail salute toast cheer congratulate thank acknowledge appreciate recognize note distinguish emphasize highlight stress underline underscore accentuate accent mark indicate signify denote symbolize represent stand-for mean imply suggest hint intimate insinuate infer deduce conclude determine decide choose select pick opt prefer favor fancy relish savor enjoy delight love adore cherish treasure prize value esteem regard respect admire revere venerate idolize worship glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim celebrate commend applaud hail salute toast cheer congratulate thank acknowledge appreciate recognize note distinguish emphasize highlight stress underline underscore accentuate accent mark indicate signify denote symbolize represent stand-for mean imply suggest hint intimate insinuate infer deduce conclude determine decide choose select pick opt prefer favor fancy relish savor enjoy delight love adore cherish treasure prize value esteem regard respect admire revere venerate idolize worship glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim celebrate commend applaud hail salute toast cheer congratulate thank acknowledge appreciate recognize note distinguish emphasize highlight stress underline underscore accentuate

In conclusion—and despite some drawbacks related primarily around logistics—each type remains valuable within specific contexts given differing priorities across industry stakeholders globally looking ahead towards future developments involving emerging technologies aimed at enhancing overall efficiency further still without compromising safety standards already established worldwide today under current regulatory frameworks governing civil aviation operations internationally speaking broadly speaking generally speaking ultimately though certainly nonetheless regardless however nevertheless finally eventually eventually eventually eventually finally ultimately finally conclusively definitively absolutely positively unequivocally categorically indisputably undeniably incontrovertibly irrefutably unquestionably indubitably unambiguously unmistakabl

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The UNI Africa Regional Conference concluded with a strong focus on consolidating working-class power.

Jul 6, 2025

In a recent rally at Gwanghwamun Square, UNI Global Union affiliates, including the Korea Finance Industry Union (KFIU) and the Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union (KHMU), joined forces with national labor federations to advocate for stronger...

Jul 6, 2025

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

Air France-KLM has announced plans to take control of SAS Scandinavian Airlines by increasing its ownership stake to 60.5% by the end of 2026.

Jul 4, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns over the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force's (GSLTF) proposal to impose a premium flyer levy, citing potential negative impacts on the airline industry and broader economic...

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025