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Boeing 737-400 vs. Airbus A318

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737-400

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A318

Price (USD)
$50 Million$77 Million
First Flight
19882002
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
36 m119 ft
31 m103 ft
Wingspan
28 m94 ft
34 m111 ft
Wing Area
105 m²1,134 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
11 m36 ft
12 m41 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
68,000 kg149,914 lbs
68,000 kg149,914 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56CFMI CFM56 / Pratt & Whitney PW6000
Max Thrust Per Engine
98 kN22,000 lbf
106 kN24,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
196 kN44,000 lbf
212 kN48,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
20,100 l5,310 gal
24,210 l6,396 gal
Range
3,850 km2,079 nm
5,750 km3,105 nm
Cruise Speed
796 km/h495 mph
830 km/h516 mph
Typical Seating
144 pax110 pax
Max Seating
188 pax132 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-400 and Airbus A318

Boeing 737-400 vs Airbus A318 Size Comparison

  • At 36.50 meters, the Boeing 737-400 is 5.10 meters longer than the Airbus A318.
  • With a wingspan of 34.10 meters, the Airbus A318 is 5.30 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-400 and Airbus A318 have heights of 11.10 meters and 12.60 meters respectively - making the Airbus A318 1.50 meters taller.

Boeing 737-400 vs Airbus A318 Range

  • Airbus A318’s range of 5,750 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-400’s range of 3,850 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A318 can fly nonstop approximately 1,900 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A318 can hold 6,396 gallons of fuel, which is 1,086 gallons more than the Boeing 737-400’s tank capacity of 5,310 gallons.

Boeing 737-400 vs Airbus A318 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 737-400 can accommodate 144 passengers, which is about 34 passengers more than Airbus A318’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 737-400’s max seating capacity is 188 passengers, compared to 132 passengers of the Airbus A318.

About the Boeing 737-400

The Boeing 737-400, part of the 737 Classic series, is a narrow-body, twin-engine airliner developed to meet the evolving requirements of the short to medium-haul market. First introduced in 1988, the 737-400 expanded upon the success of its predecessor, the 737-300. The -400 variant entered manufacturing shortly after finalization of design plans between Boeing and launch customer Piedmont Airlines (later merged into US Airways). It gives increased capacity and range, offering an option in between Boeing's 737-300 and the 757-200.

The fuselage incorporated a key 8 foot expansion to enable typical accommodation for up to 170 passengers in a 2-class layout. Other changes included increased weights and structural reinforcements, enhanced avionics/flight controls, and higher thrust CFM powerplants required for the heavier max takeoff figures. Cost efficiencies were achieved keeping cockpit continuity with the ubiquitous 737 flight deck suite.

Spanning 119.6 feet (36.5 meters) in length with a wingspan of 94.5 feet (28.8 meters), the 737-400 was designed to accommodate the growing demand for larger single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft typically seats 144 passengers, providing more space and comfort compared to earlier models in the series. This increased capacity made the 737-400 an attractive option for airlines seeking to transport more passengers on popular routes, without the need for a larger, wide-body aircraft. Equipped with two CFM International CFM56-3C1 engines, the 737-400 delivers a total thrust of 44,000 lbf (196.0 kN). This engine configuration, combined with a fuel capacity of 5,310 US gallons (20,100 liters), allows the aircraft to achieve a range of 2,079 nautical miles (3,850 kilometers).

In the competitive commercial aviation market of its time, the Boeing 737-400 contended with models like the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series. Its introduction marked another milestone for Boeing in the evolution of the 737 family, solidifying the company's position in the market for short to medium-haul airliners. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways incorporated the Boeing 737-400 into their fleets. The aircraft's operational role was significant, enabling these carriers to expand their route networks and increase flight frequencies, particularly in domestic and regional markets.

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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