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Boeing 727-200 vs. Airbus A321-200

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727-200

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A321-200

Price (USD)
$4 Million$115 Million
First Flight
19671996
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
46 m153 ft
44 m146 ft
Wingspan
32 m108 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
153 m²1,646 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
10 m34 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
78,100 kg172,181 lbs
93,500 kg206,132 lbs
Number of Engines
32
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney JT8DCFMI CFM56 / IAE V2500
Max Thrust Per Engine
67 kN15,000 lbf
142 kN32,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
201 kN45,000 lbf
284 kN64,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
30,600 l8,084 gal
30,030 l7,933 gal
Range
3,500 km1,890 nm
5,950 km3,213 nm
Cruise Speed
865 km/h537 mph
840 km/h522 mph
Typical Seating
145 pax185 pax
Max Seating
189 pax220 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 727-200 and Airbus A321-200

Boeing 727-200 vs Airbus A321-200 Size Comparison

  • At 46.70 meters, the Boeing 727-200 is 2.20 meters longer than the Airbus A321-200.
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A321-200 is 2.90 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 727-200 and Airbus A321-200 have heights of 10.70 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Airbus A321-200 1.10 meters taller.

Boeing 727-200 vs Airbus A321-200 Range

  • Airbus A321-200’s range of 5,950 kilometers is greater than Boeing 727-200’s range of 3,500 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A321-200 can fly nonstop approximately 2,450 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 727-200 can hold 8,084 gallons of fuel, which is 151 gallons more than the Airbus A321-200’s tank capacity of 7,933 gallons.

Boeing 727-200 vs Airbus A321-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A321-200 can accommodate 185 passengers, which is about 40 passengers more than Boeing 727-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A321-200’s max seating capacity is 220 passengers, compared to 189 passengers of the Boeing 727-200.

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 A321-200

The Airbus A321-200, an extended version within the Airbus A320 family, stands out as a narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft tailored for medium to long-haul flights. This variant distinguishes itself from the A321 with enhanced range and payload capabilities.

Spanning 146.5 feet (44.6 meters) in length and with a wingspan of 117.5 feet (35.8 meters), the A321-200 has the distinction of being the longest aircraft in the A320 family. It accommodates up to 220 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, with options for denser seating in single-class layouts. This model has been particularly noted for its stretched fuselage, which allows for more seating without significantly increasing operational costs. Thanks to its Door-Over-Wing (DOW) exit design, the aircraft was able to increase passenger capacity while adhering to safety regulations. The A321-200 is powered by CFM56 or IAE V2500 engines, known for their reliability and efficiency. It has a maximum takeoff weight of about 206,000 lbs and can cover distances up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,930 kilometers). Equipped with Airbus's innovative fly-by-wire system and a glass cockpit, the A321-200 reflects the technological lineage of the A320 family. These systems contribute to enhanced pilot control and navigational accuracy.

Key operators of the Airbus A321-200 include American Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways. Each airline has utilized the A321-200 in ways that leverage its specific capacities and range, from transcontinental routes to high-traffic short-haul flights. The Airbus A321-200's development was partly driven by airline demand for a more efficient and higher capacity aircraft within the single-aisle market. One of the notable achievements of the A321-200 is its operational flexibility, which has allowed airlines to deploy it on a variety of routes, optimizing for both passenger volume and flight distance.

In operational use, the A321-200 has been recognized for its ability to effectively serve both densely trafficked routes and specialized markets requiring additional range. This flexibility makes it a valuable asset in the fleets of airlines looking to balance capacity and efficiency in their operations.

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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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