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Airbus A320-200 vs. Airbus A380-800

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A320-200

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A380-800

Price (USD)
$101 Million$445 Million
First Flight
19872005
Body Type
Narrow-bodyWide-body
Length
37 m123 ft
72 m238 ft
Wingspan
35 m117 ft
79 m261 ft
Wing Area
122 m²1,317 ft²
845 m²9,095 ft²
Fuselage Width
4 m13 ft
7 m23 ft
Height
11 m38 ft
24 m79 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
78,000 kg171,961 lbs
575,000 kg1,267,658 lbs
Number of Engines
24
Engine Options
CMFI CFM56 / IAE V2500EA GP7200 / Rolls-Royce Trent 900
Max Thrust Per Engine
120 kN27,000 lbf
311 kN70,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
240 kN54,000 lbf
1,244 kN280,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
27,200 l7,185 gal
320,000 l84,535 gal
Range
6,200 km3,348 nm
15,000 km8,099 nm
Cruise Speed
840 km/h522 mph
903 km/h561 mph
Typical Seating
170 pax555 pax
Max Seating
180 pax853 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A380-800

Airbus A320-200 vs Airbus A380-800 Size Comparison

  • At 72.70 meters, the Airbus A380-800 is 35.10 meters longer than the Airbus A320-200.
  • With a wingspan of 79.80 meters, the Airbus A380-800 is 44 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Airbus A320-200 and Airbus A380-800 have heights of 11.80 meters and 24.10 meters respectively - making the Airbus A380-800 12.30 meters taller.

Airbus A320-200 vs Airbus A380-800 Range

  • Airbus A380-800’s range of 15,000 kilometers is greater than Airbus A320-200’s range of 6,200 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A380-800 can fly nonstop approximately 8,800 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A380-800 can hold 84,535 gallons of fuel, which is 77,350 gallons more than the Airbus A320-200’s tank capacity of 7,185 gallons.

Airbus A320-200 vs Airbus A380-800 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A380-800 can accommodate 555 passengers, which is about 385 passengers more than Airbus A320-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A380-800’s max seating capacity is 853 passengers, compared to 180 passengers of the Airbus A320-200.

About the Airbus A320-200

The Airbus A320-200 is a narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft, primarily employed for short to medium-haul flights. Introduced in the late 1980s, this model was designed with an emphasis on increased fuel capacity and range.

With dimensions of 123.3 feet (37.6 meters) in length and a wingspan of 111.9 feet (34.1 meters), the A320-200 is configured typically to accommodate 150 to 180 passengers in a standard two-class layout. This seating capacity enables the aircraft to efficiently serve both high-density and lower-demand routes. The A320-200 incorporates fly-by-wire technology, a notable feature in commercial aviation at the time of its introduction, replacing traditional manual flight controls with an electronic interface. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics and an electronic flight instrument system in the cockpit, reflecting the technological standards of the era. Powered by CFM56 or IAE V2500 engines, the -200 variant is designed for a balance of thrust and fuel efficiency. It has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 170,000 lbs and a range of about 3,300 nautical miles, dependent on load and configuration.

Several airlines have incorporated the Airbus A320-200 into their fleets, utilizing it for a variety of operational needs. Prominent operators include Lufthansa, British Airways, and AirAsia. These carriers have employed the jetliner for its ability to efficiently handle both short domestic services and longer intercontinental routes. As a key variant in the A320 family, the Airbus A320-200 has contributed to Airbus's presence in the narrow-body aircraft market. Its use by various airlines demonstrates its functionality across different types of commercial aviation operations.

Today, the Airbus A320-200 continues to be an operational part of numerous airline fleets, fulfilling its intended roles across various route networks. While no longer in production, it is succeeded by the newer A320neo.

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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