Boeing C-17 compared to Airbus A380: size differences reflect their distinct missions

Passenger capacity also sets these planes apart. The A380 is certified to carry up to 853 passengers, though Emirates operates the highest-density version with 615 seats. In a notable evacuation flight from Kabul in August 2021, a C-17 transported 823 people seated on the floor; however, its official maximum seating capacity is only 134.

When comparing dimensions, the C-17 measures 174 feet (53 meters) in length with a wingspan of nearly 170 feet (51.76 meters), a tail height of just over 55 feet (16.79 meters), and an MTOW of 265.3 tonnes—significantly less than that of the A380 but still considerable for a military transport aircraft.

The United States Air Force employs both the C-17 and larger Lockheed C-5 Galaxy for heavy-lift missions. While the C-5 offers greater payload capacity, the C-17 is valued for its ability to deliver cargo directly to battlefields thanks to its shorter runway requirements and rough field capabilities.

Development of the C-17 began in the late 1980s as a replacement for older cargo planes like the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter. Its design incorporates elements from previous McDonnell Douglas models and features such as fly-by-wire controls with a center stick instead of Boeing’s typical yoke system.

Since production ended in 2015 after building 279 units, there have been discussions about restarting manufacturing due to increased demand amid changing geopolitical conditions. Meanwhile, Airbus introduced the A400M Atlas as an alternative between smaller transports like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and larger jets like the C-17.

Ultimately, while both aircraft are large by any standard, their size comparison highlights their differing purposes: “The Boeing C-17 is not a huge aircraft because the United States Air Force already operates an A380-sized airlifter: the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.” Despite being smaller than both the A380 and C-5 Galaxy in some respects, “if the mission calls for the C-17, there is no other aircraft with its combination of size, capability, and flexibility,” making it a key asset for many militaries worldwide.