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Boeing 737-900 vs. Airbus A320neo

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737-900

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A320neo

Price (USD)
$102 Million$110 Million
First Flight
20002014
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
42 m138 ft
37 m123 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
79,000 kg174,165 lbs
79,000 kg174,165 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56CFMI LEAP-1A / Pratt & Whitney PW1000G
Max Thrust Per Engine
121 kN27,300 lbf
108 kN24,200 lbf
Max Total Thrust
242 kN54,600 lbf
216 kN48,400 lbf
Fuel Capacity
26,000 l6,868 gal
26,730 l7,061 gal
Range
5,100 km2,754 nm
6,300 km3,402 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
833 km/h518 mph
Typical Seating
177 pax180 pax
Max Seating
189 pax194 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-900 and Airbus A320neo

Boeing 737-900 vs Airbus A320neo Size Comparison

  • At 42.10 meters, the Boeing 737-900 is 4.50 meters longer than the Airbus A320neo.
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A320neo is 1.50 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-900 and Airbus A320neo have heights of 12.60 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Boeing 737-900 0.80 meters taller.

Boeing 737-900 vs Airbus A320neo Range

  • Airbus A320neo’s range of 6,300 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-900’s range of 5,100 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A320neo can fly nonstop approximately 1,200 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A320neo can hold 7,061 gallons of fuel, which is 193 gallons more than the Boeing 737-900’s tank capacity of 6,868 gallons.

Boeing 737-900 vs Airbus A320neo Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A320neo can accommodate 180 passengers, which is about 3 passengers more than Boeing 737-900’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A320neo’s max seating capacity is 194 passengers, compared to 189 passengers of the Boeing 737-900.

About the Boeing 737-900

The Boeing 737-900, a member of the 737 Next Generation (NG) series, was introduced in the year 2000 as a response to airline demand for an aircraft with higher capacity within the narrow-body market. This B739 model, part of Boeing's continuous innovation in the 737 series, was designed to provide an efficient solution for medium to long-range flights.

At 138.1 feet (42.1 meters) in length and 112.6 feet (34.3 meters) in wingspan, the 737-900 is notable for its extended fuselage, allowing for an increased passenger capacity. It typically accommodates 177 passengers in a two-class layout, with an economy class configured in a 6 abreast seat arrangement. The aircraft's interior design focuses on passenger comfort and space utilization, adapting to the requirements of both airlines and passengers. The 737-900 is equipped with two CFM International CFM56-7B27 engines, resulting in a combined thrust of 54,600 lbf (242.0 kN). Along with a fuel capacity of 6,868 US gallons (26,000 liters), the aircraft has a range of approximately 2,753 nautical miles (5,100 kilometers).

In its segment, the Boeing 737-900 competes with similar aircraft like the Airbus A321. Its introduction to the market was part of Boeing's strategy to expand the capabilities of the 737 family, addressing the evolving needs of the airline industry for larger single-aisle aircraft. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Korean Air have incorporated the Boeing 737-900 into their fleets. These carriers favor the -900 for its versatility, as it can operate both domestic and international routes. With the more recent MAX family of 737s in production, the many -900s will be replaced by the 737 MAX 9. Currently, the average age of a -900 is approximately 20 years. Many airlines have started ordering the newer MAX 9 in preparation for retirement of the older 739.

The Boeing 737-900's production history and widespread use among airlines signify its role in the development of modern air travel. While it shares commonalities with other models in the 737 NG series, its distinct capacity and range set it apart, highlighting Boeing's adaptability in responding to market trends and airline requirements.

About the Airbus A320neo

The Airbus A320neo is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner optimized for short to medium-haul flights. Launched in 2014, the A320neo (New Engine Option) represents a significant update over the earlier A320 models with improved fuel efficiency and renovated cabins.

Standing at 123.4 feet (37.6 meters) long and a wingspan of 117.5 feet (35.8 meters), the A320neo maintains the familiar dimensions of the A320 family while incorporating key enhancements. The aircraft typically accommodates around 180 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, with a maximum capacity of 194 passengers. This seating arrangement makes the A320neo suitable for both short and medium haul routes. The A320neo is notable for its upgraded engine options, either the CFM International LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM, which provide a thrust of up to 48,400 lbf (216.0 kN). These advanced engines contribute to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with global environmental objectives. According to Airbus, the A320neo delivers about 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous-generation models. In addition to its engine advancements, the A320neo features aerodynamic refinements, including the incorporation of Sharklet wingtips, which further enhance its fuel efficiency.

The aircraft's cabin, known for its comfort and efficiency, offers passengers a pleasant travel experience with modern amenities and larger overhead storage compartments. A320neos are typically configured to seat 140 passengers in a one-class layout, or 180 in a two-class layout. Prominent operators include IndiGo, Wizz Air, China Eastern, Frontier Airlines, SAS, Easyjet, and Spirit Airlines. As of late 2023, over 1800 A320neos have been delivered, with over 2000 units still waiting to be built. In the current commercial aviation landscape, the A320neo completes most closely with the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8.

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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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