Compared: Every Major Commercial Aircraft
I figure that there are so many commercial airplanes, and the names are so similar, that people often be confused at what a particular type of plane looks like (broadly) and what kind of routes they fly on. That is why in this article, I am going to list every significant commercial aircraft type. I will include a picture of the plane, its average range, the abbreviations for each plane, its manufacturer, its average seat count, what type of routes it flies on, and some of its largest operators. In my list, the airplanes will be arranged by aircraft type, starting with regional aircraft, going on to short-haul planes, and ending with long-haul aircraft.
Also, to increase relevance and to make the article more useful, I am only comparing aircraft that currently are in major use by commercial airlines. That means I won’t include aircraft such as the DC-10 which were at their prime some 40 years ago, but I also won’t include aircraft such as the Comac ARJ21, which currently are in production, but not many people have heard about. Hope that this post helps you be able to differentiate between aircraft better!
Major Regional Aircraft:
Bombardier Q Series:
An Alaska Airlines Dash 8 Bombardier Q400
| Manufacturer | DeHavilland/Bombardier |
| Aircraft Type | Regional/Turboprop |
| Introduction | 1984 |
| Number Built | Around 1,250 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 37-85 Passengers |
| Range | Varies Around 1,100 Nautical Miles (Q400) |
| Largest Operators | Jazz (Air Canada), Flybe, Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines) WestJet, Qantas Link |
| Length | 73-107 Ft |
| Engine Type/Count |
2 Turboprops; on bottom of the wing |
| Varients | Smallest to Largest: Q100/Q200/Q300/Q400 |
| Notes |
Bombardier bought the Q Series aircraft program from DeHavilland Canada in 1992. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-2 |
Embraer ERJ Family:
A United Express Embraer ERJ-145
| Manufacturer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Type | Regional |
| Introduction | 1995 |
| Number Built | Around 1,200 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 37-50 Passengers |
| Range | Varies; Around 2,000 Nautical Miles (XLR Version) |
| Largest Operators | United Express, American Eagle, Airlink |
| Length | 86-98 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/Rear of Aircraft |
| Varients | Smallest to Largest: E135/E140/E145/E145XLR |
| Economy Class Configuration |
1-2 |
Bombardier CRJ Series:
An Air Canada CRJ-900 (Top) and a Delta CRJ-200 (Bottom)
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Aircraft Type | Regional |
| Introduction | 1991 |
| Number Built | Around 1,850 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 50-100 Passengers |
| Range | Varies; Around 1,650 Nautical Miles (CRJ 1000) |
| Largest Operators | United Express, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Air Canada, Lufthansa Cityline |
| Length | 86-98 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/Rear of Aircraft |
| Varients | Smallest to Largest: CRJ100/200/700/900/1000 |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-2 |
ATR 42/72:
An Air France (HOP Branded) ATR72 at Paris-CDG Airport
| Manufacturer | ATR (Airbus + Leonardo) |
| Aircraft Type | Turboprop/Regional |
| Introduction | 1985 |
| Number Built | Around 1,480 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 40-70 |
| Range | 74-89 Feet |
| Largest Operators | Wings Air, Azul Airlines, Air New Zealand |
| Length | Varies; 872 Nautical Miles (ATR-72) |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Turboprop Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Varients | ATR42/72 |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-2 |
Embraer E-Jet Family:
An American Airlines Embraer E190 and a Delta Connection Embraer E170
| Manufacturer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Type | Regional |
| Introduction | 2004 |
| Number Built | Around 1,450 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 72-116 Seats |
| Range | Varies; 2,850 Nautical Miles (E190 E2; Range Varies Per Variant) |
| Largest Operators | United Express, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Azul Airlines, JetBlue, Aeromexico Connect |
| Length | 98-126 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of Wing |
| Variants | E170/E175/E190/E190/E-Jet E2 Family |
| Notes |
The first Embraer E2 aircraft was delivered to Wideroe in 2018 and is meant to replace the older Embraer aircraft. One can tell the difference between the two aircraft because the E2 series doesn’t have blended winglets (but does have raked wingtips) while the older generation does have winglets. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-2 |
Major Narrowbody Aircraft:
Airbus A220:
| Manufacturer | Airbus/Bombardier |
| Aircraft Type | Narrowbody |
| Introduction | 2016 |
| Number Built | Around 50 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 141 (-300 Variant) |
| Range | Varies; Around 3,200 Nautical Miles (A220-300) |
| Largest Operators | Swiss International Airlines, Air Baltic, Korean Air, Delta Air Lines (Future) |
| Length | 114-127 Inches |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Airbus A220-100/300 |
| Notes |
The Airbus A220 was originally named the Bombardier C Series, but after Airbus bought the program, they renamed the aircraft. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-3 |
Airbus A320 Series (CEO/NEO):
A Spirit Airlines Airbus A319 (Top), a Turkish Airlines Airbus A320 (Center), and a China Easter Airbus A321 (Bottom)
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft Type | Narrowbody |
| Introduction | 1988 |
| Number Built | Around 8,500 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 245 (Maximum/A321neo) |
| Range | Varies; 4,000 Nautical Miles (Airbus A321LR) |
| Largest Operators | American Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Indigo |
| Length | 103-144 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants |
CEO: Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 NEO: Airbus A319neo/A320neo/A321neo/A321LR |
| Notes |
In 2016, Airbus introduced the Airbus A320neo series of aircraft, which is to replace the A320 current engine option series (ceo), which have updated interior systems and as the name suggests, have new engine options (neo). Along with the neo series, Airbus introduced the Airbus A321LR, which can fly longer than any other currently produced narrowbody aircraft (even the 757), with a range that can easily fly many transatlantic flights. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-3 |
Boeing 737 Series:
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, (Top), a Transavia Boeing 737-800 (Transavia), and a United Airlines Boeing 737-900 (Bottom)
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft Type | Narrowbody |
| Introduction | 1968 |
| Number Built | Around 10,300 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 100-230 Passengers |
| Range | Varies; 3,850 Nautical Miles, Boeing 737 MAX 7 |
| Largest Operators | Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, United Airlines, American Airlines, WestJet, Lion Air Group |
| Length | 94-143 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants |
Original: Boeing 737-100/200 Classic: Boeing 737-300/400/500 Next Generation: Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 MAX: Boeing 737 MAX-7, 737 MAX-8, 737 MAX-9, 737 MAX-10 |
| Notes |
The Boeing 737 was introduced in 1968 as a smaller narrowbody aircraft as opposed to the larger 727. The plane over time got expanded and updated over time. The first variant series (labeled solely, the 737) consisted of the 100 and 200 variants; it is in minimal commercial use now. In 1984, the classic series of modifications were introduced and featured the 300, 400, and 500 models, and now is in service with mostly smaller airlines. In 1997, the Next Generation models were introduced, and consisted of the 600 (which was highly unsuccessful), 700, 800, and 900 variants; it is in active service with many airlines. Finally, in 2017, the Boeing 737 MAX was introduced, and consists of the MAX 7, 8, 9, and ten models, from smallest to largest. The 737 is flown mostly on short-haul or domestic flights, although now with the new MAX varients with increase range is starting to operate on transatlantic and longer routes. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-3 |
Boeing 757:
An American Airlines Boeing 757-200 (Top) and a United Airlines Boeing 757-300 (Bottom)
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft Type | Narrowbody |
| Introduction | 1981 (ceased production in 2004) |
| Number Built | Around 1050 |
| Capacity (1 Class) | 220-280 Passengers |
| Range | Varies; 3,900 Nautical Miles |
| Largest Operators | Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Icelandair |
| Length | 155-178 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Boeing 757-200/300 |
| Notes |
Despite being out of production for nearly 15 years, the 757 is still a popular aircraft due to its long range. Its capacity lower than widebody jets means that it can operate transatlantic flights that can’t be sustained by larger aircraft, such as from Washington to Edinburgh. However, its age is showing, and airlines that run it are replacing them with newer aircraft such as the A321neo or 737 MAX. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-3 |
Major Widebody Aircraft:
Boeing 767:
A Delta Airlines Boeing 767-300
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 1982 |
| Number Built | Around 1,120 |
| Capacity | 180 – 330 (The Boeing 767-400 can handle 400, but no airlines have it in a one cabin configuration) |
| Range | Varies; 5,980 Nautical Miles (Boeing 767-300ER) |
| Largest Operators | Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, ANA, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines |
| Length | 160-200 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Boeing 767 200/200ER/300/300ER/400ER |
| Notes |
The Boeing 767 was introduced as an aircraft that can still handle more passengers than a narrowbody aircraft, and can fly long range, but can fly to smaller airports than the 747. The plane was later stretched to make the -300 variant, and was made even longer to make the -400 modification, which never sold to any airlines besides Delta and Continental (now United). In my article about the possibility of a 797, I discuss the 767 and its replacement in even more detail. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-3-2/2-4-2 (high density) |
Airbus A330:
A Brussels Airlines Airbus A330-300 at Washington Dulles Airport
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 1994 |
| Number Built | Around 1,430 |
| Capacity | 200-430 |
| Range | Varies; 8,150 Nautical Miles (Airbus A330-800 neo) |
| Largest Operators | Turkish Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, TAP Portugal (Airbus A330neo) |
| Length | 193-209 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Airbus A330 200/300/800 (neo)/900 (neo) |
| Notes |
The Airbus A330 was introduced as a competitor to the 767 and 777 and was created to serve on long-haul routes, especially transatlantic ones. The plane later was developed into the Airbus A330neo (new engine option), with the -800 (which is highly successful, with one buyer, Kuwait Airways) and -900 variants. The -200 and -800 models are roughly the same size, while the -300 and -900 models are also approximately the same size, and are larger than the two former variants. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-4-2/3-3-3 (high density) |
Airbus A340:
A South African Airways Airbus A340-300 at Washington Dulles Airport
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 1993 |
| Number Built | Around 380 |
| Capacity | 260-330 |
| Range | Varies, 9,000 Nautical Miles (Airbus A340-500) |
| Largest Operators | Lufthansa, Iberia, South African Airways |
| Length | 195-247 feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 4 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Airbus A340 200/300/400/500 |
| Notes |
Regarding size, the A340-200/300 is pretty close to the A330, although the A340-500/600 is significantly larger. The aircraft was built to fly on ultra-long-haul routes, given its extensive range. The A340-500 for a time flew on Singapore Airlines’ longest flight (from Singapore to Newark), which recently resumed on an A350. Overall, the fact that the aircraft has four engines contributed to its relative unpopularity, as it is much more expensive to operate four engines rather than two. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-4-2 |
Boeing 777:
A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 (Top) and a Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER (Bottom)
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 1995 |
| Number Built | Around 1,570 |
| Capacity | 250-400 |
| Range | Varies; 8,500 Nautical Miles (Boeing 777-200LR) |
| Largest Operators | Emirates, United Airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific, British Airways |
| Length | 210-240 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Boeing 777-200/200ER/200LR/300/300ER |
| Notes |
The Boeing 777 was introduced as a long-haul jet, which was smaller than a 747 but larger than a 767. The original variant was the 777-200 model, but later the 777-300ER and 777-200LR was introduced. The 777-200LR has one of the most extended ranges of any aircraft and currently flies on some of the world’s longest routes, while the 777-300[ER] is longer than the 200 version, and is one of the most popular aircraft. While the 777 is still in production, and a new 777X aircraft will debut in 2020, some airlines are starting to retire some of the old 777-200s in favor of newer more fuel-efficient 787s and A350s. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-3-3/3-4-3 |
Boeing 787:
An ANA Boeing 787-8 (Top) and a British Airways Boeing 787-9 (Bottom)
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 2011 |
| Number Built | Around 760 |
| Capacity | 240-330 |
| Range | Varies; 7,630 Nautical Miles (Boeing 787-9) |
| Largest Operators | ANA, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Qatar Airways |
| Length | 186-224 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Boeing 787-8/9/10 |
| Notes |
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was introduced in 2011 as the world’s most fuel-efficient ultra-long-range aircraft. Because of its efficiency, it flies on both some of the world’s longest flights but also is seen on some (especial intra-Asia) short-medium haul flights. Unfortunately, over the years, the 787 has had a few engine problems (especially with Rolls Royce engines). A unique feature of the 787 is that its windows don’t have shades that you pull down; the windows turn black based on a button you press. This year, the 787-10, the most extended model of the 787, made its debut with Singapore Airlines and will begin flying with Etihad and United later this year and into next year. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
2-4-2 (select JAL and ANA aircraft), 3-3-3 |
Airbus A350:
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 2015 |
| Number Built | Around 215 |
| Capacity | 250-370 Passengers |
| Range | Varies; 9,700 Nautical Miles (A350-900ULR) |
| Largest Operators | Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, Lufthansa |
| Length | Airbus A350 900/1000 |
| Engine Type/Count | 2 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Airbus A350-900/900ULR/1000 |
| Notes |
The A350 was introduced in 2015 with Qatar Airways. Since then, the aircraft has been hugely successful and has been delivered to over 20 airlines. The plane, like the 787 is extremely fuel efficient (especially compared to the A340 which had four engines). This year, the Airbus A350-1000, a stretched version of the A350-900 was introduced with Qatar Airways and now also flies with Cathay Pacific. The Airbus A350ULR files only for Singapore Airlines, and has the most extended range of any commercial aircraft, and operates on the world’s longest route from Singapore to Newark. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-3-3 |
Boeing 747:
A Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 Taking Off in Boston
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 1970 |
| Number Built | Around 1,550 |
| Capacity | 270-400 |
| Range | Varies; 7,730 Nautical Miles (Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental) |
| Largest Operators | British Airways, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Air China |
| Length | 180 – 250 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 4 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Boeing 747-100/200/300/400/SP/8 Intercontinental |
| Notes |
Also known as the Queen of the Skies, the Boeing 747 is possibly the most iconic aircraft ever to take to the skies. First taking to the air in 1970, the plane was the first widebody aircraft ever to fly and was specifically built for long-haul flights. On all models, the plane has a partial upper deck in the front of the aircraft, which initially was meant for lounges, although now is usually where Business class is on the plane. In 2012, the Boeing 747-8 was introduced, which was a stretched version of the Boeing 747-400, and featured updated systems. Unfortunately, only three commercial airlines (Lufthansa, Air China, and Korean Air) only ever took delivery of the aircraft due to the lack of being economically possible due to the four engines and the very slim number of routes that need that many passengers. We have neared the end of the Queen of the Skies, as most 747-400s (the most popular variant) are being phased out of airline fleets, and the 747-8 never has and never will gain popularity, as two-engined aircraft is a lot more fuel efficient than the four-engined airliner. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-4-3 (lower deck), 3-3 (upper deck) |
Airbus A380:
An Emirates A380 at Washington Dulles Airport
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| Aircraft Type | Widebody |
| Introduction | 2007 |
| Number Built | Around 230 |
| Capacity | 560 |
| Range | 8,000 Nautical Miles |
| Largest Operators | Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France |
| Length | 240 Feet |
| Engine Type/Count | 4 Engines/On Bottom Of The Wing |
| Variants | Airbus A380-800 |
| Notes |
The A380 was created by Airbus to counter the (initially) profitable Boeing 747, although the A380 probably was the most aircraft Airbus ever made. The A380 features two full-length decks and is the largest commercial aircraft ever made. For the money that Airbus invested in the aircraft, not many airlines bought into Airbus’s vision that two deck planes with four engines were the key to the future. Not many airlines ever purchased the A380, and if they did, it was in small amounts. The plane was just too large, and with four engines, it costs a lot of money for fuel and to maintain, and there aren’t that many routes that require that much capacity. No airline bought into it. Except for Emirates. Emirates bought 162 of the aircraft (and has 106 delivered), and without a doubt saved the A380 program. They by far have the most of the aircraft, and have a whole terminal of them in Dubai! However, despite Emirates, it’s already too late to save it. Singapore Airlines has already returned their first A380s, some of which will be scrapped, and besides the Emirates orders, there aren’t that many more of them. Once the last A380 is delivered to Emirates, unless some other airline comes in with an astonishing move, the A380 will be obsolete. |
| Economy Class Configuration |
3-4-3 (lower deck), 2-4-2 (upper deck) |
What is your favorite commercial aircraft?
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