Airliner Comparison ToolCompare 60+ passenger aircraft models head to head!

Boeing 747-8I vs. Airbus A321-200

vs.
Compare

747-8I

vs.

A321-200

Price (USD)
$418 Million$115 Million
First Flight
20111996
Body Type
Wide-bodyNarrow-body
Length
76 m250 ft
44 m146 ft
Wingspan
68 m224 ft
35 m117 ft
Wing Area
554 m²5,963 ft²
122 m²1,317 ft²
Fuselage Width
6 m21 ft
4 m13 ft
Height
19 m63 ft
11 m38 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
447,700 kg987,010 lbs
93,500 kg206,132 lbs
Number of Engines
42
Engine Options
General Electric GEnxCFMI CFM56 / IAE V2500
Max Thrust Per Engine
296 kN66,500 lbf
142 kN32,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
1,184 kN266,000 lbf
284 kN64,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
238,610 l63,034 gal
30,030 l7,933 gal
Range
14,310 km7,727 nm
5,950 km3,213 nm
Cruise Speed
907 km/h564 mph
840 km/h522 mph
Typical Seating
467 pax185 pax
Max Seating
660 pax220 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 747-8I and Airbus A321-200

Boeing 747-8I vs Airbus A321-200 Size Comparison

  • At 76.30 meters, the Boeing 747-8I is 31.80 meters longer than the Airbus A321-200.
  • With a wingspan of 68.40 meters, the Boeing 747-8I is 32.60 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 747-8I and Airbus A321-200 have heights of 19.40 meters and 11.80 meters respectively - making the Boeing 747-8I 7.60 meters taller.

Boeing 747-8I vs Airbus A321-200 Range

  • Boeing 747-8I’s range of 14,310 kilometers is greater than Airbus A321-200’s range of 5,950 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 747-8I can fly nonstop approximately 8,360 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 747-8I can hold 63,034 gallons of fuel, which is 55,101 gallons more than the Airbus A321-200’s tank capacity of 7,933 gallons.

Boeing 747-8I vs Airbus A321-200 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 747-8I can accommodate 467 passengers, which is about 282 passengers more than Airbus A321-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 747-8I’s max seating capacity is 660 passengers, compared to 220 passengers of the Airbus A321-200.

About the Boeing 747-8I

The Boeing 747-8I is a large wide-body aircraft designed for long haul flights. Debuting in 2012, the 747-8I (Intercontinental) was the most recent model of the commercial jumbo jet, offering a blend of legacy and innovation. Also referred to as "The Queen of the Skies", the 747-8I is the longest passenger aircraft in the world. It stretches 250.2 feet (76.3 meters) and is characterized by its iconic hump and massive 4 engines. The 747-8i's length not only enhances its visual appeal but also significantly increases its cabin space, allowing for a three-class configuration that accommodates about 467 passengers.

The aircraft's wingspan, an impressive 224.7 feet (68.4 meters), incorporates advanced aerodynamic design with raked wingtips, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. This enhancement is crucial in minimizing environmental impact, aligning with the industry's shift towards more sustainable air travel. The 747-8i's four powerful GEnx-2B67 engines, supplied by General Electric, produce a combined thrust of 296,000 lbf (1,316.0 kN), enabling a range of up to 7,730 nautical miles (14,320 kilometers). This extended range capability makes the 747-8i an ideal choice for long-haul and intercontinental flights. Compared to the 747-400, the -8I is estimated by Boeing to be 16% more fuel-efficient, and have 13% lower seat-mile costs.

In terms of competition, the 747-8i stands as a formidable contender against the Airbus A380, offering a different approach to ultra-long-haul travel. While the A380 focuses on maximum passenger capacity, the 747-8i balances capacity with operational efficiency and a unique passenger experience. Its layout and design provide opportunities for airlines to customize the cabin with luxurious amenities, including private suites, upscale lounges, and spacious seating arrangements, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

Unfortunately, only a few airlines ordered the newest Queen of the Skies. The reality was that newer, two engine aircraft were far more efficient, and had dramatically lower operating costs than the 747. However, airlines such as Lufthansa, Korean Air, and Air China recognized value in adding 747-8Is to their fleets for flagship international routes. These carriers currently leverage the aircraft's iconic status and advanced capabilities to provide passengers with an exceptional level of comfort and service.

The Boeing 747-8i symbolizes the culmination of decades of innovation in the 747 series. While retaining the classic and beloved features of its predecessors, it introduces modern advancements in aerospace technology. The aircraft's entry into the market was seen not just as an evolution of the 747 line but also as a statement of Boeing's ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of commercial aviation. Today, the 747-8i continues to captivate both the flying public and aviation enthusiasts, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of the 747 family.

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.

Share:
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.

Related Airliner Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the WebFlite Aircraft Comparison Tool.

What is this comparison tool?

WebFlite’s Aircraft Comparison Tool allows users to contrast the specifications of over 100 airliner, freighter, and fighter jet models. The head-to-head comparisons include data related to size, weight, capacity, performance, and much more! Whether you want to compare similar aircraft, old vs new, big vs small - you can find it here at WebFlite!

How do you use this tool?

The Aircraft Comparison Tool is extremely easy to use! First, select your type of aircraft - Airliners, Freighters, or Fighter Jets. When the page reloads, select an aircraft from each of the two drop-down menus below the aircraft illustrations, and then click the blue “Compare” button. The page will automatically update and display those two aircraft and their specs! You can start a new comparison by changing either one or both aircraft from the drop-downs, and clicking “Compare” again. You can also change the aircraft type at the top of the page.

Where does the aircraft data come from?

The data for these aircraft has been scraped from a few sources, including manufacturer websites, government databases, and Wikipedia. While the data is fairly accurate, we cannot guarantee it all to be 100% exact. This is mainly due to discrepancies between sub-models and configurations. Most aircraft in this comparison tool will include what variant its data is based off of.

What are the most popular aircraft comparisons?
Can I share this tool or a comparison?

Yes! Please feel free to share this tool or any specific aircraft comparison with friends, family, or on social media! You may also share on your own website, but please include a link to the tool! We appreciate any support with helping us grow!

webflite-logoWebFlite
2023 WebFlite. All rights reserved.