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Airbus A310 vs. Airbus A330-800

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A310

vs.

A330-800

Price (USD)
$60 Million$260 Million
First Flight
19822018
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
46 m152 ft
58 m193 ft
Wingspan
43 m144 ft
64 m210 ft
Wing Area
219 m²2,357 ft²
465 m²5,005 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m18 ft
5 m18 ft
Height
15 m51 ft
17 m57 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
157,000 kg346,126 lbs
251,000 kg553,360 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
General Electric CF6 / Pratt & Whitney PW4000Rolls-Royce Trent 700
Max Thrust Per Engine
262 kN59,000 lbf
320 kN72,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
524 kN118,000 lbf
640 kN144,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
61,070 l16,133 gal
139,090 l36,744 gal
Range
8,050 km4,347 nm
15,094 km8,150 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
870 km/h541 mph
Typical Seating
220 pax260 pax
Max Seating
230 pax406 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A310 and Airbus A330-800

Airbus A310 vs Airbus A330-800 Size Comparison

  • At 58.80 meters, the Airbus A330-800 is 12.20 meters longer than the Airbus A310.
  • With a wingspan of 64 meters, the Airbus A330-800 is 20.10 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Airbus A310 and Airbus A330-800 have heights of 15.80 meters and 17.40 meters respectively - making the Airbus A330-800 1.60 meters taller.

Airbus A310 vs Airbus A330-800 Range

  • Airbus A330-800’s range of 15,094 kilometers is greater than Airbus A310’s range of 8,050 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A330-800 can fly nonstop approximately 7,044 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A330-800 can hold 36,744 gallons of fuel, which is 20,611 gallons more than the Airbus A310’s tank capacity of 16,133 gallons.

Airbus A310 vs Airbus A330-800 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A330-800 can accommodate 260 passengers, which is about 40 passengers more than Airbus A310’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A330-800’s max seating capacity is 406 passengers, compared to 230 passengers of the Airbus A310.

About the Airbus A310

The Airbus A310 is a wide-body, twin-engine jetliner developed by Airbus in the early 1980s as a smaller variant of the A300, its first airliner. The A310 was designed to meet the demands of airlines for a smaller, more efficient aircraft for medium to long-haul routes. This development marked Airbus's expansion in the wide-body aircraft market, offering a versatile option for various airline operations.

With a length of 153 feet (46.7 meters) and a wingspan of 144 feet (43.9 meters), the A310 is notably smaller than the A300, making it suitable for routes with lower passenger demand. The aircraft typically accommodates around 220 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, though it can be configured to carry more in a high-density layout. This flexibility in seating allows airlines to optimize the A310 for both high passenger volume short-haul flights and longer, less densely populated routes.

The A310's design incorporates significant advancements over the A300, including a shortened fuselage and redesigned wing, which contribute to its improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. It is equipped with either General Electric CF6-80 or Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The A310 has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 336,000 lbs and a range of up to 4,350 nautical miles, depending on the variant and configuration. Inside, the A310 offers a comfortable passenger experience with a spacious cabin and advanced features for its time, such as an optional two-crew glass cockpit. This innovative cockpit design reduced the flight crew requirement from three to two, a significant shift in commercial aviation operations.

The Airbus A310 was well-received in the commercial aviation market, with orders from several airlines worldwide. Notable operators included Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, among others. These airlines utilized the A310 for its intended purpose, taking advantage of its capacity and range for diverse route networks. The A310's production and service history reflect its role in the evolution of Airbus's wide-body offerings. It bridged the gap between the larger A300 and the later A330 and A340 models, demonstrating Airbus's capability to adapt to market needs. The A310 was instrumental in establishing Airbus as a major competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment.

Though production of the A310 has ceased, its legacy continues in the aviation industry. The aircraft is remembered for its contributions to the development of wide-body jets, particularly in terms of efficiency, versatility, and technological advancements in aircraft design.

About the Airbus A330-800

The Airbus A330-800, part of the A330neo family, is a wide-body, twin-engine jetliner developed as a more efficient and modernized version of the A330-200. Introduced in the 2010s, the A330-800 offers enhanced performance and range capabilities, positioning itself as a competitive option in the long-haul market segment.

With a length of 193 feet (58.8 meters) and a wingspan of 208 feet (64 meters) inclusive of its distinctive wingtip devices known as "Sharklets," the A330-800 can accommodate up to 257 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. The aircraft's design focuses on maximizing space and comfort, making it ideal for various international routes. Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-800 boasts improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 533,500 lbs and a remarkable range of up to 8,150 nautical miles, making it suitable for longer and less frequented routes. The A330-800's advanced avionics and Airbus's pioneering fly-by-wire technology enhance its flight performance and operational safety. The cockpit features state-of-the-art navigation systems and electronic flight instrument displays, providing pilots with comprehensive control and situational awareness.

The A330-800 competes with other state-of-the-art aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering airlines an alternative in the long-haul, twin-aisle market. Its appeal lies in its operational efficiency, range capabilities, and Airbus's reputation for reliability and passenger comfort. As of late 2023, just several units have been delivered to airlines: Air Greenland (1), Kuwait Airways (4), and Uganda Airlines (2). The larger -900 variant is much more popular, with over 320 orders in its lifetime. The limited demand for the -800 could be due to the fact that the -200s it might replace after are still relatively young (12 years on average).

In commercial service, the Airbus A330-800 serves airlines that require an aircraft with extended range and a balanced capacity. Its role in modern aviation is underscored by its ability to efficiently operate on routes that demand lower passenger volumes but longer distances, such as intercontinental flights connecting secondary cities.

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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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