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Boeing 737-900ER vs. Airbus A321-200

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737-900ER

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A321-200

Price (USD)
$102 Million$115 Million
First Flight
20061996
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
42 m138 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
85,100 kg187,613 lbs
93,500 kg206,132 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56CFMI CFM56 / IAE V2500
Max Thrust Per Engine
126 kN28,400 lbf
142 kN32,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
252 kN56,800 lbf
284 kN64,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
29,700 l7,846 gal
30,030 l7,933 gal
Range
5,900 km3,186 nm
5,950 km3,213 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
840 km/h522 mph
Typical Seating
180 pax185 pax
Max Seating
215 pax220 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 737-900ER and Airbus A321-200

Boeing 737-900ER vs Airbus A321-200 Size Comparison

  • At 44.50 meters, the Airbus A321-200 is 2.40 meters longer than the Boeing 737-900ER.
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A321-200 is 1.50 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 737-900ER and Airbus A321-200 have heights of 12.60 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Boeing 737-900ER 0.80 meters taller.

Boeing 737-900ER vs Airbus A321-200 Range

  • Airbus A321-200’s range of 5,950 kilometers is greater than Boeing 737-900ER’s range of 5,900 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A321-200 can fly nonstop approximately 50 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A321-200 can hold 7,933 gallons of fuel, which is 87 gallons more than the Boeing 737-900ER’s tank capacity of 7,846 gallons.

Boeing 737-900ER vs Airbus A321-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A321-200 can accommodate 185 passengers, which is about 5 passengers more than Boeing 737-900ER’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A321-200’s max seating capacity is 220 passengers, compared to 215 passengers of the Boeing 737-900ER.

About the Boeing 737-900ER

Introduced in 2006, the Boeing 737-900ER is a pivotal variant in the Next-Generation 737 series, offering airlines an ideal combination of extended range and increased passenger capacity for medium to long-haul routes. This aircraft, building upon the base model of the 737-900, incorporates significant advancements that enhance its operational flexibility and efficiency.

The 737-900ER's design extends to a length of 42.1 meters (138.1 feet), making it one of the longest aircraft in the 737 family. This extended fuselage allows for a higher passenger capacity, aligning with the growing demands for more economically efficient, high-density configurations in commercial aviation. Its wingspan of 34.3 meters (112.6 feet) and a wing area of 124.6 square meters (1341.0 square feet) contribute to the aircraft's aerodynamic performance. Equipped with powerful engines providing a total maximum thrust of 252.0 kN (56,800 lbf), the 737-900ER is well-suited for extended range operations, further enhancing its versatility for various route profiles. With a fuel capacity of 29,700 liters (7,846 US gallons), the aircraft achieves a range of approximately 5,900 kilometers (3,186 nautical miles), enabling it to operate longer routes previously beyond the reach of standard single-aisle aircraft.

The interior of the 737-900ER is configured to accommodate up to 180 passengers in a typical two-class setting, with the capability to seat up to 215 passengers in a denser, single-class arrangement. This flexibility makes the 737-900ER an adaptable solution for airlines to cater to different market demands. The cabin design focuses on enhancing passenger comfort, integrating modern amenities and spacious seating arrangements.

In the competitive landscape of commercial aviation, the 737-900ER stands out as a cost-effective option for airlines to service a wide spectrum of domestic and international routes. Operators such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have integrated the 737-900ER into their fleets, utilizing its operational efficiency and capacity to bolster and diversify their route networks. The closest alternative airliner to the 737-900ER in the Airbus A321neo.

Overall, the Boeing 737-900ER marks a significant evolution in the 737 series, bringing together the benefits of extended range and increased capacity while upholding the operational efficiency and reliability that the Next-Generation 737s are known for. Its role in the fleets of global airlines underscores its status as a versatile and efficient choice for medium to long-haul air travel.

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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