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Boeing 747-400 vs. Airbus A350-1000

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747-400

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A350-1000

Price (USD)
$187 Million$366 Million
First Flight
19882016
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
70 m232 ft
73 m242 ft
Wingspan
64 m211 ft
64 m212 ft
Wing Area
541 m²5,825 ft²
442 m²4,757 ft²
Fuselage Width
6 m21 ft
6 m19 ft
Height
19 m63 ft
17 m56 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
396,900 kg875,015 lbs
319,000 kg703,275 lbs
Number of Engines
42
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney PW4000 / General Electric CF6 / Rolls-Royce RB211 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB
Max Thrust Per Engine
281 kN63,000 lbf
432 kN97,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
1,124 kN252,000 lbf
864 kN194,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
216,000 l57,061 gal
164,000 l43,324 gal
Range
13,490 km7,284 nm
16,112 km8,700 nm
Cruise Speed
920 km/h572 mph
905 km/h562 mph
Typical Seating
416 pax410 pax
Max Seating
524 pax480 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A350-1000

Boeing 747-400 vs Airbus A350-1000 Size Comparison

  • At 73.80 meters, the Airbus A350-1000 is 3.10 meters longer than the Boeing 747-400.
  • With a wingspan of 64.80 meters, the Airbus A350-1000 is 0.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A350-1000 have heights of 19.40 meters and 17.10 meters respectively - making the Boeing 747-400 2.30 meters taller.

Boeing 747-400 vs Airbus A350-1000 Range

  • Airbus A350-1000’s range of 16,112 kilometers is greater than Boeing 747-400’s range of 13,490 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A350-1000 can fly nonstop approximately 2,622 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 747-400 can hold 57,061 gallons of fuel, which is 13,737 gallons more than the Airbus A350-1000’s tank capacity of 43,324 gallons.

Boeing 747-400 vs Airbus A350-1000 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 747-400 can accommodate 416 passengers, which is about 6 passengers more than Airbus A350-1000’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 747-400’s max seating capacity is 524 passengers, compared to 480 passengers of the Airbus A350-1000.

About the Boeing 747-400

The Boeing 747-400, a major development in the iconic 747 series, debuted in 1988 and quickly became one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. Known as the "Queen of the Skies," this wide-body airliner redefined long-haul travel with its unparalleled range and capacity.

With a commanding presence, the 747-400 stretches 231.9 feet (70.7 meters) in length and boasts a wingspan of 211.4 feet (64.4 meters). The -400 featured reinvented wingtip extensions and winglets which improved the aircraft's fuel efficiency by 4%. Its distinctive second floor hump and four-engine configuration make it a standout at any airport. The 747-400's design accommodates up to 416 passengers in a typical three-class layout, making it one of the largest passenger airliners at the time of its introduction. The -400 variant was later succeeded by the newer 747-8I.

The 747-400 had three engine options; Pratt & Whitney PW4000s General Electric CF6s, or Rolls-Royce RB211s. Each 747-400 had a thrust of about 56,000 lbf (249.0 kN), summing up to an impressive total of 224,000 lbf (996.0 kN) across the 4 powerplants. This immense power, coupled with a fuel capacity of 57,061 US gallons (216,000 liters), allows the 747-400 to achieve a range of 7,284 nautical miles (13,490 kilometers). This exceptional range capability opened up numerous long-haul and transoceanic routes, reducing the need for stopovers and changing the face of international travel.

In the commercial aviation market, the Boeing 747-400 was a direct competitor to other large aircraft such as the Airbus A340. However, its unique features, like the upper deck and expansive cargo capacity, gave it a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. The 747-400 was operated by airlines such as British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air France. These were among many other operators that used the 747-400 for their flagship international routes. Its spacious cabin and long-range abilities made it ideal for high-profile and high-density routes, offering passengers a unique and comfortable flying experience.

The Boeing 747-400's legacy goes beyond its impressive technical specifications. It symbolizes a significant era in aviation history, where the pursuit of connecting distant parts of the world became a reality. The aircraft's production, which spanned over two decades, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the pivotal role it played in shaping modern air travel. Today, while newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft have started to replace the 747-400, its iconic status and contribution to the airline industry continue to be celebrated. The Boeing 747-400 remains an enduring symbol of the romance and grandeur of flying, representing a bygone era of luxury, scale, and ambition in aviation. Lufthansa, Air China, and Asiana Airlines are some of the last airlines to hold onto their last 747-400s.

About the Airbus A350-1000

The Airbus A350-1000 is a wide-body, twin-engine jetliner specifically designed for long-haul, high-capacity flights. Launched in 2016, it represents Airbus's commitment to advanced technology, efficiency, and passenger comfort in the competitive long-haul aviation market. It is the larger variant of the A350 (bigger than the -900), and sometimes referred to as the A35K.

Measuring 73.8 meters (242.1 feet) in length with a wingspan of 64.8 meters (212.4 feet), the A350-1000 stands out for its substantial size, accommodating 410 passengers in a standard three-class layout. This capacity enables the aircraft to efficiently serve routes with high passenger volumes, while maintaining the comfort and efficiency standards associated with the A350 family. Equipped with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350-1000 delivers a total thrust of 864.0 kN (194,000 lbf), facilitating its long-haul capabilities. The aircraft's fuel capacity of 164,000 liters (43,324 US gallons) supports a range of up to 16,112 kilometers (8,700 nautical miles), ideal for extensive long-distance operations. With a cruise speed of 905 km/h (562 mph), the A350-1000 efficiently covers vast distances.

The A350-1000 competes in the commercial aviation market against models such as the Boeing 777X. Its innovative design, which includes extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, emphasizes Airbus's focus on sustainability and fuel efficiency. Notable airlines operating the A350-1000 include Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. These carriers have employed the aircraft for various long-haul routes, capitalizing on its range, capacity, and passenger appeal. The A350-1000's operational flexibility has made it a valuable asset for airlines looking to enhance their long-haul service offerings. The Airbus A350-1000's development and introduction into the market signify a major step forward in Airbus's long-haul aircraft portfolio. It showcases the manufacturer's ability to innovate and meet the evolving demands of the airline industry, particularly in terms of creating aircraft that balance range, capacity, and environmental considerations.

Today, the Airbus A350-1000 continues to shape the landscape of long-distance air travel. Its role in modern aviation is marked by its combination of advanced technology, operational efficiency, and commitment to sustainable travel, making it a key player in the future of long-haul commercial flights.

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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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