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Boeing 737-600 vs. Airbus A380-800

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737-600

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A380-800

Price (USD)
$57 Million$445 Million
First Flight
19982005
Body Type
Narrow-bodyWide-body
Length
31 m102 ft
72 m238 ft
Wingspan
34 m112 ft
79 m261 ft
Wing Area
124 m²1,341 ft²
845 m²9,095 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
7 m23 ft
Height
12 m41 ft
24 m79 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
66,000 kg145,505 lbs
575,000 kg1,267,658 lbs
Number of Engines
24
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56EA GP7200 / Rolls-Royce Trent 900
Max Thrust Per Engine
101 kN22,700 lbf
311 kN70,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
202 kN45,400 lbf
1,244 kN280,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
26,000 l6,868 gal
320,000 l84,535 gal
Range
5,650 km3,051 nm
15,000 km8,099 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
903 km/h561 mph
Typical Seating
123 pax555 pax
Max Seating
149 pax853 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-600 and Airbus A380-800

Boeing 737-600 vs Airbus A380-800 Size Comparison

  • At 72.70 meters, the Airbus A380-800 is 41.50 meters longer than the Boeing 737-600.
  • With a wingspan of 79.80 meters, the Airbus A380-800 is 45.50 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-600 and Airbus A380-800 have heights of 12.60 meters and 24.10 meters respectively - making the Airbus A380-800 11.50 meters taller.

Boeing 737-600 vs Airbus A380-800 Range

  • Airbus A380-800’s range of 15,000 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-600’s range of 5,650 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A380-800 can fly nonstop approximately 9,350 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A380-800 can hold 84,535 gallons of fuel, which is 77,667 gallons more than the Boeing 737-600’s tank capacity of 6,868 gallons.

Boeing 737-600 vs Airbus A380-800 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A380-800 can accommodate 555 passengers, which is about 432 passengers more than Boeing 737-600’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A380-800’s max seating capacity is 853 passengers, compared to 149 passengers of the Boeing 737-600.

About the Boeing 737-600

Launched in 1998, the Boeing 737-600 is the smallest aircraft in the 737 Next Generation (NG) series. It succeeded the 737-500, and was a significant evolution in Boeing's narrow-body offerings. It featured many upgraded features from the previous 737s, including aerodynamics, engines, and avionics. As the smallest NG variant, the 737-600 was designed for efficiency and adaptability, catering to airlines requiring a compact jet for short to medium-haul routes.

This aircraft extends 102.4 feet (31.2 meters) in length with a wingspan of 112.6 feet (34.3 meters). The 737-600, with a typical seating capacity for 123 passengers, offers an ideal balance between passenger comfort and efficiency, making it a fitting choice for airlines serving routes with moderate passenger demand. Equipped with two CFM International CFM56-7B20 engines, the 737-600 has a total thrust of 45,400 lbf (202.0 kN). This engine power, coupled with a fuel capacity of 6,868 US gallons (26,000 liters), gives the -600 a range of 3,051 nautical miles (5,650 kilometers). The 737-600 has a cruise speed of 528 mph (850 km/h) enabling airlines to maintain efficient and swift operations, particularly beneficial for regional network connections.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Boeing 737-600 competed with aircraft such as the Airbus A318 and Bombardier CRJ series, offering airlines a modern alternative in the narrow-body market. Airlines including Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Westjet, and Air Algerie operated the Boeing 737-600. Ultimately, the -600 variant was not a popular model of the 737 due to its economics. The -700, only slightly heavier, had a much greater payload. Additionally, the larger market was moving more towards higher capacity narrow-bodies with lower unit costs and greater revenue opportunities.

About the Airbus A380-800

The Airbus A380-800, introduced in 2005, is a landmark in aviation history as the world's largest passenger airliner. This double-deck, wide-body, four-engine extra large jet was developed by Airbus to address the need for high-capacity, long-haul air travel, revolutionizing the concept of a 'superjumbo' aircraft.

Measuring 72.7 meters (238.5 feet) in length with a wingspan of 79.8 meters (261.8 feet), the A380-800 is distinguished by its sheer size and capacity. It is designed to accommodate 555 passengers in a typical three-class configuration, making it ideal for high-demand routes and hub-to-hub travel. The aircraft's expansive wing area of 845.0 square meters (9,095.5 square feet) contributes to its lift and efficiency, supporting its substantial size.

The A380 is powered by four engines - either Engine Alliance GP7200 or Rolls-Royce Trent 900 turbofans. It achieves a total thrust of 1,244.0 kN (280,000 lbf), enabling extra long-range operations. The aircraft's impressive fuel capacity of 320,000 liters (84,535 US gallons) supports a range of up to 15,000 kilometers (8,099 nautical miles). Its cruise speed of 903 km/h (561 mph) allows for efficient long-haul travel, reducing flight times on major international routes.

In the commercial aviation market, the Airbus A380-800 competes with large aircraft like the Boeing 747. It has been particularly favored by airlines for routes with high passenger volume, leveraging its capacity to maximize efficiency and profitability on busy corridors.

Before deliveries for the aircraft began, some major airports needed upgrades in order to accommodate the giant airliner. Due to its enormous wingspan and wide landing gear, it can only operate at airports with the proper runways and taxiways. Moreover, airports needed modified jet bridges to efficiently board and deplane passengers.

Major operators of the A380-800 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa. These airlines have utilized the aircraft's unique capacity and range for flagship long-haul services, capitalizing on its ability to carry a large number of passengers while offering enhanced comfort and amenities.

The development of the Airbus A380-800 was a response to the growing demands of the airline industry for an aircraft that could transport more passengers over long distances without the need for a stopover. Its introduction marked a significant achievement in aircraft engineering and design, showcasing Airbus's ability to push the boundaries of commercial aviation.

Today, the Airbus A380-800 stands as a symbol of the evolution of air travel, reflecting the industry's shift towards larger, more efficient aircraft for mass transit. While its production has ceased, the A380-800 continues to be a marvel in aviation, representing a unique period in the history of commercial flight where size and passenger capacity reached new heights.

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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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