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Boeing 757-300 vs. Airbus A380-800

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757-300

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A380-800

Price (USD)
$81 Million$445 Million
First Flight
19982005
Body Type
Narrow-bodyWide-body
Length
54 m178 ft
72 m238 ft
Wingspan
38 m124 ft
79 m261 ft
Wing Area
185 m²1,994 ft²
845 m²9,095 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m12 ft
7 m23 ft
Height
13 m44 ft
24 m79 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
123,800 kg272,932 lbs
575,000 kg1,267,658 lbs
Number of Engines
24
Engine Options
Rolls-Royce RB211 / Pratt & Whitney PW2000EA GP7200 / Rolls-Royce Trent 900
Max Thrust Per Engine
193 kN43,500 lbf
311 kN70,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
387 kN87,000 lbf
1,244 kN280,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
43,400 l11,465 gal
320,000 l84,535 gal
Range
6,295 km3,399 nm
15,000 km8,099 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
903 km/h561 mph
Typical Seating
262 pax555 pax
Max Seating
295 pax853 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 757-300 and Airbus A380-800

Boeing 757-300 vs Airbus A380-800 Size Comparison

  • At 72.70 meters, the Airbus A380-800 is 18.30 meters longer than the Boeing 757-300.
  • With a wingspan of 79.80 meters, the Airbus A380-800 is 41.80 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 757-300 and Airbus A380-800 have heights of 13.60 meters and 24.10 meters respectively - making the Airbus A380-800 10.50 meters taller.

Boeing 757-300 vs Airbus A380-800 Range

  • Airbus A380-800’s range of 15,000 kilometers is greater than Boeing 757-300’s range of 6,295 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A380-800 can fly nonstop approximately 8,705 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A380-800 can hold 84,535 gallons of fuel, which is 73,070 gallons more than the Boeing 757-300’s tank capacity of 11,465 gallons.

Boeing 757-300 vs Airbus A380-800 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A380-800 can accommodate 555 passengers, which is about 293 passengers more than Boeing 757-300’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A380-800’s max seating capacity is 853 passengers, compared to 295 passengers of the Boeing 757-300.

About the Boeing 757-300

The Boeing 757-300, an extended variant of the popular 757 series, is a narrow-body, twin engine aircraft serving medium-long haul routes. As a stretched version of the 757-200, the 757-300 was designed to accommodate a higher passenger capacity while maintaining the series' operational efficiency and versatility. The B753 entered the commercial aviation market in 1998 with the German airline Condor.

Sometimes referred to as the "flying pencil", the 757-300 has a rather long and skinny fuselage. It measures in at over 54 meters (178 feet), making it the longest, single-aisle twinjet ever built. The wingspan remains at 38.0 meters (124.7 feet), and the wing area is 185.3 square meters (1994.0 square feet), consistent with the 757 series design. The extended fuselage of the 757-300 allows it to carry a larger number of passengers, enhancing its appeal for airlines looking to maximize capacity on popular routes.

The typical seating arrangement in the 757-300 is designed to accommodate about 262 passengers. This configuration usually includes a dual-class layout, with the majority of the cabin dedicated to economy class in a 3-3 seat configuration, alongside a smaller business class section. This layout enables airlines to optimize the balance between passenger comfort and density, making the aircraft particularly suitable for high-demand, medium-range routes.

Powered by Rolls-Royce RB211s or Pratt & Whitney PW2043s the 757-300 is capable of delivering a maximum thrust of 387.0 kN (87,000 lbf), the Boeing 757-300 offers a range of approximately 6,295 kilometers (3,399 nautical miles). This range, combined with its passenger capacity, positions the 757-300 as a competitive option for airlines operating busy domestic and transcontinental routes.

In the market, the Boeing 757-300 faced competition from similar narrow-body aircraft, such as variants from the Airbus A321 series and the McDonnell Douglas MD-90. These aircraft offered comparable range and capacity, creating a competitive landscape in the segment of extended narrow-body airliners. Production for the 757-300 totaled just 55 aircraft. Airlines that have incorporated the Boeing 757-300 into their fleets include Continental Airlines (now merged with United Airlines), Delta Air Lines, and Icelandair. These carriers have utilized the aircraft's unique combination of capacity and range to efficiently serve a mix of domestic and international routes, underscoring the 757-300's utility in commercial aviation.

The Boeing 757-300, while not as widely produced as its shorter counterpart, the 757-200, still marks an important development in the evolution of the 757 series. Its extended fuselage and increased capacity cater to specific market needs, demonstrating Boeing's adaptability in responding to evolving airline requirements. As a variant of one of the most recognizable narrow-body aircraft families, the 757-300 continues to play a role in the global aviation industry, particularly in markets where capacity and efficiency are paramount.

About the Airbus A380-800

The Airbus A380-800, introduced in 2005, is a landmark in aviation history as the world's largest passenger airliner. This double-deck, wide-body, four-engine extra large jet was developed by Airbus to address the need for high-capacity, long-haul air travel, revolutionizing the concept of a 'superjumbo' aircraft.

Measuring 72.7 meters (238.5 feet) in length with a wingspan of 79.8 meters (261.8 feet), the A380-800 is distinguished by its sheer size and capacity. It is designed to accommodate 555 passengers in a typical three-class configuration, making it ideal for high-demand routes and hub-to-hub travel. The aircraft's expansive wing area of 845.0 square meters (9,095.5 square feet) contributes to its lift and efficiency, supporting its substantial size.

The A380 is powered by four engines - either Engine Alliance GP7200 or Rolls-Royce Trent 900 turbofans. It achieves a total thrust of 1,244.0 kN (280,000 lbf), enabling extra long-range operations. The aircraft's impressive fuel capacity of 320,000 liters (84,535 US gallons) supports a range of up to 15,000 kilometers (8,099 nautical miles). Its cruise speed of 903 km/h (561 mph) allows for efficient long-haul travel, reducing flight times on major international routes.

In the commercial aviation market, the Airbus A380-800 competes with large aircraft like the Boeing 747. It has been particularly favored by airlines for routes with high passenger volume, leveraging its capacity to maximize efficiency and profitability on busy corridors.

Before deliveries for the aircraft began, some major airports needed upgrades in order to accommodate the giant airliner. Due to its enormous wingspan and wide landing gear, it can only operate at airports with the proper runways and taxiways. Moreover, airports needed modified jet bridges to efficiently board and deplane passengers.

Major operators of the A380-800 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa. These airlines have utilized the aircraft's unique capacity and range for flagship long-haul services, capitalizing on its ability to carry a large number of passengers while offering enhanced comfort and amenities.

The development of the Airbus A380-800 was a response to the growing demands of the airline industry for an aircraft that could transport more passengers over long distances without the need for a stopover. Its introduction marked a significant achievement in aircraft engineering and design, showcasing Airbus's ability to push the boundaries of commercial aviation.

Today, the Airbus A380-800 stands as a symbol of the evolution of air travel, reflecting the industry's shift towards larger, more efficient aircraft for mass transit. While its production has ceased, the A380-800 continues to be a marvel in aviation, representing a unique period in the history of commercial flight where size and passenger capacity reached new heights.

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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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