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Boeing 737-300 vs. Airbus A321XLR

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737-300

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A321XLR

Price (USD)
$45 Million$129 Million
First Flight
19842022
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
33 m109 ft
44 m146 ft
Wingspan
28 m94 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
105 m²1,134 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
11 m36 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
63,300 kg139,553 lbs
101,000 kg222,667 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56CFMI LEAP-1A / P&W PW1000G
Max Thrust Per Engine
98 kN22,000 lbf
151 kN34,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
196 kN44,000 lbf
302 kN68,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
20,100 l5,310 gal
39,500 l10,435 gal
Range
4,400 km2,376 nm
8,704 km4,700 nm
Cruise Speed
796 km/h495 mph
832 km/h517 mph
Typical Seating
128 pax220 pax
Max Seating
149 pax244 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-300 and Airbus A321XLR

Boeing 737-300 vs Airbus A321XLR Size Comparison

  • At 44.50 meters, the Airbus A321XLR is 11.10 meters longer than the Boeing 737-300.
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A321XLR is 7 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-300 and Airbus A321XLR have heights of 11.10 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Airbus A321XLR 0.70 meters taller.

Boeing 737-300 vs Airbus A321XLR Range

  • Airbus A321XLR’s range of 8,704 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-300’s range of 4,400 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A321XLR can fly nonstop approximately 4,304 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A321XLR can hold 10,435 gallons of fuel, which is 5,125 gallons more than the Boeing 737-300’s tank capacity of 5,310 gallons.

Boeing 737-300 vs Airbus A321XLR Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A321XLR can accommodate 220 passengers, which is about 92 passengers more than Boeing 737-300’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A321XLR’s max seating capacity is 244 passengers, compared to 149 passengers of the Boeing 737-300.

About the Boeing 737-300

The Boeing 737-300, launched in the early 1980s, is a seminal model in the 737 family, known for ushering in the era of modern narrow-body jetliners. As the first of the 737 Classic series, it was developed to meet the growing demand for more efficient and higher-capacity short to medium-haul aircraft. Compared to the Original 737 models, the -300 featured new wings, a redesigned tailfin, and improvements inside the cabin. Fast forward a bit, the 737-300 was eventually replaced by the 737-700 of the Next Generation series.

The 737-300 stretches 109.6 feet (33.4 meters) from nose to tail, with a wingspan of 94.5 feet (28.8 meters). This aircraft was Boeing's answer to the need for a larger capacity in the single-aisle market, accommodating 128 passengers in a typical two-class layout. Its increased length over its predecessor, the 737-200, allowed for additional seating, making it a more economical choice for airlines.

Equipped with two CFM International CFM56-3B1 engines, the 737-300 produces a total thrust of 44,000 lbf (196.0 kN). This enhancement in power, combined with a fuel capacity of 5,310 US gallons (20,100 liters), extended the aircraft's range to 2,376 nautical miles (4,400 kilometers). The 737-300's cruise speed of 495 mph (796 km/h) made it a swift and efficient option for airlines, reducing flight times on popular domestic and regional routes.

The 737-300 marked a shift in the commercial aviation landscape, competing with models like the McDonnell Douglas MD-80. Its launch was pivotal for Boeing, demonstrating the company's ability to innovate and adapt to market shifts. The 737-300's popularity was driven by its improved efficiency, greater capacity, and enhanced performance, meeting the needs of airlines expanding their short-haul operations.

Major carriers such as Southwest Airlines and United Airlines incorporated the Boeing 737-300 into their fleets, capitalizing on its operational advantages. The American carriers purchased a majority of the -300, with 299 units between the two airlines. The aircraft's role in these fleets was significant, as it enabled airlines to offer more frequent services and open new routes, particularly in the domestic and regional markets.

About the Airbus A321XLR

The Airbus A321XLR is an extra long range variant of the A321neo. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2019, the A321XLR represents a groundbreaking evolution in narrow-body aircraft for long-haul travel. Boasting an exceptional range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 kilometers), this is a significant leap from its predecessor, the A321neo. Enhancements in range stem from enhanced fuel capacity and aerodynamic improvements position the XLR as a leading choice for airlines in need of efficient, longer-range single-aisle aircraft. 

The A321XLR's development is a continuation of the A320 family's legacy of innovation, which began with the A320's introduction in the 1980s and expanded with the A321's launch in the 1990s as a stretched variant. As the newest member of this distinguished lineage, the A321XLR has been engineered to deliver unparalleled fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, key factors that align with the aviation industry's escalating focus on sustainability. These advancements are achieved through state-of-the-art engine optimizations and refined aerodynamics, including new wingtip designs.

The introduction of the A321XLR is particularly significant in its ability to transform the dynamics of long-haul travel. Its extended range capability enables it to operate transatlantic routes and other long-haul flights, which were previously the domain of larger twin-aisle aircraft. This feature opens up new possibilities for airlines to explore longer, thinner routes that are not economically viable with larger aircraft, allowing for more direct flights and enhanced route networks. The A321XLR's appeal is evident in its rapidly growing list of global customers, including major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Qantas, and AirAsia. These operators recognize the A321XLR's potential to revolutionize their fleet capabilities, providing the flexibility to service a wider array of destinations more efficiently and sustainably. The aircraft's unique combination of range, efficiency, and single-aisle economics makes it a strategic asset for airlines looking to expand their reach while minimizing environmental impact.

In essence, the Airbus A321XLR is poised to redefine the parameters of single-aisle long-haul aviation, offering an innovative solution that marries extended range with environmental consciousness and operational efficiency. Its introduction marks a significant milestone in commercial aviation, reflecting a shift towards more versatile, sustainable, and economically viable air travel solutions in the global market.

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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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