A220-100 vs A318
The A220-100 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A220-100 (introduced 2016) against the Airbus A318 (introduced 2003) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the A220-100 has the advantage. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A220-100 vs A318: the key differences
- The A220-100 delivers 10% more range (A220-100: 3,400 nm; A318: 3,100 nm).
- The A220-100 delivers 9% more cruise speed (A220-100: 487 kt; A318: 447 kt).
- The A220-100 delivers 2% more passenger capacity (A220-100: 135 seats; A318: 132 seats).
- The A220-100 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 2003 for the A318), a gap of 13 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A220-100 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (149,914 lbs versus 149,900 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the A220-100 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the A220-100 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A318 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
A220-100 vs A318: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A220-100 or the A318?
The A220-100 has the longer published range — 3,400 nm versus 3,100 nm for the A318.
Does the A220-100 or A318 seat more passengers?
The A220-100 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 135 seats, compared with 132 on the A318.
Which is faster, the A220-100 or the A318?
The A220-100 cruises faster, at 487 kt versus 447 kt for the A318.
Which is newer, the A220-100 or the A318?
The A220-100 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 2003 for the A318.
Is the A220-100 or the A318 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A220-100 is the larger aircraft — 149,914 lbs versus 149,900 lbs for the A318.
Should I buy the A220-100 or the A318?
On published specifications the A220-100 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A318 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the A220-100 vs A318?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.