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Boeing 727-200 vs. Airbus A318

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727-200

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A318

Price (USD)
$4 Million$77 Million
First Flight
19672002
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
46 m153 ft
31 m103 ft
Wingspan
32 m108 ft
34 m111 ft
Wing Area
153 m²1,646 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
10 m34 ft
12 m41 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
78,100 kg172,181 lbs
68,000 kg149,914 lbs
Number of Engines
32
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney JT8DCFMI CFM56 / Pratt & Whitney PW6000
Max Thrust Per Engine
67 kN15,000 lbf
106 kN24,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
201 kN45,000 lbf
212 kN48,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
30,600 l8,084 gal
24,210 l6,396 gal
Range
3,500 km1,890 nm
5,750 km3,105 nm
Cruise Speed
865 km/h537 mph
830 km/h516 mph
Typical Seating
145 pax110 pax
Max Seating
189 pax132 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 727-200 and Airbus A318

Boeing 727-200 vs Airbus A318 Size Comparison

  • At 46.70 meters, the Boeing 727-200 is 15.30 meters longer than the Airbus A318.
  • With a wingspan of 34.10 meters, the Airbus A318 is 1.20 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 727-200 and Airbus A318 have heights of 10.70 meters and 12.60 meters respectively - making the Airbus A318 1.90 meters taller.

Boeing 727-200 vs Airbus A318 Range

  • Airbus A318’s range of 5,750 kilometers is greater than Boeing 727-200’s range of 3,500 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A318 can fly nonstop approximately 2,250 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 727-200 can hold 8,084 gallons of fuel, which is 1,688 gallons more than the Airbus A318’s tank capacity of 6,396 gallons.

Boeing 727-200 vs Airbus A318 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 727-200 can accommodate 145 passengers, which is about 35 passengers more than Airbus A318’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 727-200’s max seating capacity is 189 passengers, compared to 132 passengers of the Airbus A318.

About the Boeing 727-200

The Boeing 727-200 is a narrow-body, trijet airliner that played a significant role in the expansion of commercial air travel. First introduced in 1967, the 727 was designed for short to medium-haul routes.

The -200 variant of the Boeing 727 measures in at 153.1 feet (46.7 meters) long, with a wingspan of 108.0 feet (32.9 meters). This size makes it well-suited for operations at regional and domestic airports. The aircraft typically accommodates 145 passengers. In a two class-configuration, first class has 4 seats abreast, with a 3-3 seating layout in the back. Sporting three engines, the 727-200 delivers a total thrust of 45,000 lbf (201.0 kN). It has a fuel capacity of 8,084 US gallons (30,600 liters), supporting a range of 1,890 nautical miles (3,500 kilometers). With a cruise speed of 537 mph (865 km/h), the 727-200 was known for its ability to efficiently cover distances within its operational scope.

In the commercial aviation market, the Boeing 727-200 competed with aircraft like the Douglas DC-9 and the early Airbus A320 series. Its trijet configuration was unique for its time, offering an optimal balance of performance and efficiency for short and medium-haul flights. Major US-based airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all operated the Boeing 727-200. The trijet was also a part of a fleet for Iberia, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways, and Air France.

The Boeing 727-200's development and introduction into the market were indicative of the era's aviation trends, focusing on creating more efficient and versatile aircraft for a growing industry. Its production history reflects Boeing's ability to innovate and adapt to changing airline needs, particularly in the regional and short-haul segments. The Boeing 727-200 is no longer in production, and very few our left in commercial aviation. The aircraft's contribution to the expansion of regional air travel is very notable, showcasing the evolution of aircraft design and technology to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world.

About the Airbus A318

The Airbus A318, the smallest member of the Airbus A320 family, is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner designed for short to medium-haul routes. Introduced in the early 2000s, the A318 was developed to meet the needs of airlines for a smaller aircraft that could operate in restricted airports and on less densely populated routes, without compromising on range and efficiency.

Measuring 103.2 feet (31.4 meters) in length with a wingspan of 111.9 feet (34.1 meters), the A318 is significantly shorter than its A320 family counterparts. This compact size allows the aircraft to operate at airports with stringent noise and space constraints. Despite its smaller size, the A318 offers a standard seating arrangement for 110 passengers in a two-class configuration, making it an optimal choice for airlines looking to serve regional markets with a high-quality passenger experience. Equipped with either CFM56-5B or Pratt & Whitney PW6000 engines, the A318 provides sufficient thrust to support a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 130,000 lbs. The aircraft's range is around 3,100 nautical miles, depending on the specific model and configuration, allowing for a variety of route options including transcontinental flights. The A318's design includes many of the technological advancements found in the A320 family, such as Airbus's pioneering fly-by-wire control system and a modern glass cockpit. These features enhance the aircraft's operational efficiency and safety, while also ensuring commonality with other members of the A320 family, a significant advantage for airlines in terms of crew training and fleet management.

Throughout its production, the Airbus A318 saw orders from several airlines, including Air France and British Airways. These carriers have utilized the A318 for its intended operational roles, capitalizing on its ability to serve smaller markets and city-center airports, like London City Airport, where the aircraft's steep approach capability is particularly beneficial. The A318's role in the Airbus lineup highlights the manufacturer's dedication to offering a comprehensive range of aircraft to meet various airline requirements. While it is the smallest in the A320 family, the A318 continues to fulfill a unique niche in the market, providing airlines with a versatile and efficient option for regional and short-haul routes.

The Airbus A318 remains a testament to the adaptability and innovation of the A320 family, demonstrating Airbus's ability to scale its successful designs to meet diverse market demands. Though its production numbers were modest compared to other family members, the A318's contribution to the narrow-body segment is acknowledged for its specialized applications and operational flexibility.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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