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Boeing 737-700 vs. Airbus A321-200

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737-700

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A321-200

Price (USD)
$80 Million$115 Million
First Flight
19971996
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
33 m110 ft
44 m146 ft
Wingspan
34 m112 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
124 m²1,341 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
12 m41 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
77,600 kg171,079 lbs
93,500 kg206,132 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56CFMI CFM56 / IAE V2500
Max Thrust Per Engine
117 kN26,300 lbf
142 kN32,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
234 kN52,600 lbf
284 kN64,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
26,000 l6,868 gal
30,030 l7,933 gal
Range
6,000 km3,240 nm
5,950 km3,213 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
840 km/h522 mph
Typical Seating
130 pax185 pax
Max Seating
149 pax220 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-700 and Airbus A321-200

Boeing 737-700 vs Airbus A321-200 Size Comparison

  • At 44.50 meters, the Airbus A321-200 is 10.90 meters longer than the Boeing 737-700.
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A321-200 is 1.50 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-700 and Airbus A321-200 have heights of 12.60 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Boeing 737-700 0.80 meters taller.

Boeing 737-700 vs Airbus A321-200 Range

  • Boeing 737-700’s range of 6,000 kilometers is greater than Airbus A321-200’s range of 5,950 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 737-700 can fly nonstop approximately 50 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A321-200 can hold 7,933 gallons of fuel, which is 1,065 gallons more than the Boeing 737-700’s tank capacity of 6,868 gallons.

Boeing 737-700 vs Airbus A321-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A321-200 can accommodate 185 passengers, which is about 55 passengers more than Boeing 737-700’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A321-200’s max seating capacity is 220 passengers, compared to 149 passengers of the Boeing 737-700.

About the Boeing 737-700

The Boeing 737-700, a variant in the 737 Next Generation (NG) series, is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner serving the short to medium-haul market since 1997. The -700 was the first model to be produced for the updated NG series, preceding the -800 and. -900. Today, the -700 is being replaced by the 737 MAX 7. Known for its balance of efficiency and capacity, the 737-700 caters to airlines seeking a versatile aircraft for a wide range of routes.

With a length of 110.2 feet (33.6 meters) and a wingspan of 112.6 feet (34.3 meters), the 737-700 presents a design that is both modern and adaptable, suitable for operating in diverse airport environments. It typically seats 130 passengers, providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience, and can accommodate up to 149 passengers in a high-density configuration. Powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B22 engines, the 737-700 delivers a total thrust of 52,600 lbf (234.0 kN). This power, coupled with a fuel capacity of 6,868 US gallons (26,000 liters), enables the aircraft to cover a range of 3,240 nautical miles (6,000 kilometers). The 737-700's cruise speed of 528 mph (850 km/h) makes it an ideal choice for airlines looking to maintain efficient operations on regional and domestic routes.

In the competitive landscape of commercial aviation, the Boeing 737-700 aligns with aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Embraer E-Jets. Its introduction was a significant step for Boeing in the evolution of the 737 series, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and meeting the changing needs of the airline industry. In 2018, over 1000 -700s were in service, with Southwest Airlines (its launch customer) operating about half of the total units. United Airlines, Westjet, and KLM have also utilized the Boeing 737-700. The aircraft's ability to efficiently serve both short and medium-haul flights makes it a valuable asset in airline fleets, particularly for carriers looking to optimize their route networks.

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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