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Airbus A320neo vs. Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)

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A320neo

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Q400 (Dash 8)

Price (USD)
$110 Million$32 Million
First Flight
20141998
Body Type
Narrow-bodyNarrow-body
Length
37 m123 ft
32 m107 ft
Wingspan
35 m117 ft
28 m93 ft
Wing Area
122 m²1,317 ft²
64 m²688 ft²
Fuselage Width
4 m13 ft
2 m8 ft
Height
11 m38 ft
8 m27 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
79,000 kg174,165 lbs
30,500 kg67,241 lbs
Number of Engines
22
Engine Options
CFMI LEAP-1A / Pratt & Whitney PW1000GPratt & Whitney PW150A
Max Thrust Per Engine
108 kN24,200 lbf
3,800 kW5,071 shp
Max Total Thrust
216 kN48,400 lbf
7,600 kW10,142 shp
Fuel Capacity
26,730 l7,061 gal
6,530 l1,725 gal
Range
6,300 km3,402 nm
2,040 km1,102 nm
Cruise Speed
833 km/h518 mph
644 km/h400 mph
Typical Seating
180 pax76 pax
Max Seating
194 pax90 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A320neo and Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)

Airbus A320neo vs Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) Size Comparison

  • At 37.60 meters, the Airbus A320neo is 4.70 meters longer than the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8).
  • With a wingspan of 35.80 meters, the Airbus A320neo is 7.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Airbus A320neo and Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) have heights of 11.80 meters and 8.40 meters respectively - making the Airbus A320neo 3.40 meters taller.

Airbus A320neo vs Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) Range

  • Airbus A320neo’s range of 6,300 kilometers is greater than Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)’s range of 2,040 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A320neo can fly nonstop approximately 4,260 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A320neo can hold 7,061 gallons of fuel, which is 5,336 gallons more than the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)’s tank capacity of 1,725 gallons.

Airbus A320neo vs Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8) Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A320neo can accommodate 180 passengers, which is about 104 passengers more than Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A320neo’s max seating capacity is 194 passengers, compared to 90 passengers of the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8).

About the Airbus A320neo

The Airbus A320neo is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner optimized for short to medium-haul flights. Launched in 2014, the A320neo (New Engine Option) represents a significant update over the earlier A320 models with improved fuel efficiency and renovated cabins.

Standing at 123.4 feet (37.6 meters) long and a wingspan of 117.5 feet (35.8 meters), the A320neo maintains the familiar dimensions of the A320 family while incorporating key enhancements. The aircraft typically accommodates around 180 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, with a maximum capacity of 194 passengers. This seating arrangement makes the A320neo suitable for both short and medium haul routes. The A320neo is notable for its upgraded engine options, either the CFM International LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM, which provide a thrust of up to 48,400 lbf (216.0 kN). These advanced engines contribute to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with global environmental objectives. According to Airbus, the A320neo delivers about 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous-generation models. In addition to its engine advancements, the A320neo features aerodynamic refinements, including the incorporation of Sharklet wingtips, which further enhance its fuel efficiency.

The aircraft's cabin, known for its comfort and efficiency, offers passengers a pleasant travel experience with modern amenities and larger overhead storage compartments. A320neos are typically configured to seat 140 passengers in a one-class layout, or 180 in a two-class layout. Prominent operators include IndiGo, Wizz Air, China Eastern, Frontier Airlines, SAS, Easyjet, and Spirit Airlines. As of late 2023, over 1800 A320neos have been delivered, with over 2000 units still waiting to be built. In the current commercial aviation landscape, the A320neo completes most closely with the Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8.

About the Bombardier Q400 (Dash 8)

The Bombardier Q400, belonging to the DHC Dash 8 series, is a turboprop aircraft engineered for regional aviation. With a length of 32.9 meters (107.9 feet) and a wingspan of 28.4 meters (93.2 feet), the Q400 is designed to operate efficiently in diverse regional airport environments. It strives in operations that require agility and short takeoff and landing capabilities. From the outside, the Q400 can be identified by its high-wing design, 6-bladed propellors, T-tail, and wing-mounted landing gears. The Q400 was the most popular variant of the Dash 8, with over 600 delivered as of September 2019. De Havilland ultimately paused Dash 8-Q400 production in 2021 due to the pandemic and lack of demand.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW150A engines, the aircraft is capable of producing a substantial power output, . This power enables the Q400 to achieve a range of approximately 2,040 kilometers (1,102 nautical miles), making it a suitable choice for various regional routes, from short hops to more extended connections. The selection of turboprop engines for the Q400 reflects a focus on fuel efficiency and operational cost-effectiveness, key considerations in the regional airline market. The cabin of the Q400, configured to seat about 76 passengers in a standard layout, can be adapted to accommodate up to 90 passengers in high-density seating arrangements. This flexibility allows airlines to optimize the aircraft for different route profiles. The cabin design incorporates elements aimed at improving passenger comfort, such as noise reduction, which is particularly beneficial during the shorter flights typical in regional travel.

In the regional aircraft market, the Bombardier Q400 offers an alternative to similar capacity regional jets, like the ATR 72. The aircraft's competitive edge lies in its combination of turboprop efficiency with a passenger capacity that approaches that of larger regional jets. This balance makes the Q400 a viable option for airlines operating a range of regional routes. Operators of the Q400, including Porter Airlines, Flybe, and Horizon Air, have found the aircraft suitable for their diverse regional networks. The Q400's operational profile allows these airlines to service routes efficiently, connecting smaller cities and towns with major hubs. The aircraft's role in these fleets underscores its suitability for the specific demands of regional air travel, where efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness are paramount.

In summary, the Bombardier Q400's introduction into the regional aviation sector provided airlines with an aircraft that aligns well with the operational requirements of short to medium-haul routes. Its design, capacity, and range capabilities make it a noteworthy choice for airlines looking to enhance their regional operations.

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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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