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Boeing’s widebody jet offers higher passenger capacity than competing Airbus model

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Boeing’s widebody jet offers higher passenger capacity than competing Airbus model
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CEO Kelly Ortberg | Boeing

In the long-haul commercial aviation sector, aircraft capacity and operational efficiency are key factors influencing airline strategies. Boeing's 777-300ER, introduced in 2004, has become a significant player in this space by offering a combination of high passenger capacity and extended range.

The Boeing 777-300ER was developed as an upgrade to the standard 777-300. It features General Electric GE90-115B engines, which produce up to 115,000 pounds of thrust each—the most powerful turbofan engines built for commercial use. These engines enable the aircraft to carry heavier payloads over longer distances while maintaining reliability. Structural enhancements such as reinforced landing gear, increased maximum takeoff weight, and raked wingtips contribute to improved aerodynamic efficiency and fuel performance.

With a cabin width exceeding 5.8 meters (19 feet), airlines can configure economy cabins with up to ten seats per row. Standard three-class configurations typically accommodate between 350 and 400 passengers, while denser two-class layouts can exceed 450 seats. Emirates operates some of its 777-300ERs with 354 seats across three classes; KLM and Air France have versions seating between 380 and 408 passengers. The design allows flexibility for airlines to adjust interiors based on market demand or business models.

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While higher seat density increases revenue potential for airlines, it often results in narrower seat widths for passengers—a point that has received criticism from some travelers. However, the ability to transport more passengers per flight remains attractive for carriers serving high-demand routes.

The aircraft's maximum range is about 7,370 nautical miles (13,650 kilometers), allowing nonstop flights between major global cities such as Dubai and Los Angeles or Singapore and Frankfurt. Its operational reliability frequently exceeds a dispatch rate of 99%, making it suitable for demanding airline schedules.

When compared with its primary competitor—the Airbus A350-1000—the Boeing model stands out mainly in terms of passenger capacity. While both aircraft offer similar lengths and wingspans, the A350-1000 typically carries between 350 and 369 passengers in standard layouts but does not match the highest capacities achievable by the Boeing jet. The A350-1000 incorporates advanced composite materials for reduced weight and better fuel efficiency but generally cannot accommodate as many passengers without major configuration changes.

Since entering service, more than 800 units of the Boeing 777-300ER have been delivered globally. Over forty-five airlines operate this model worldwide; Emirates is its largest customer alongside other major operators such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific.

The introduction of the twin-engine widebody allowed many airlines to retire older four-engine jets like the Boeing 747 while maintaining profitability on long-haul routes due to improved fuel efficiency per seat and lower operating costs.

As newer models like the Airbus A350-1000 focus on material advancements for greater efficiency—and with Boeing preparing its next-generation widebody offerings—many airlines continue using the reliable and high-capacity 777-300ER well into future years because of its proven track record in both performance and versatility.

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