A220-300 vs 737-800
A220-300 and 737-800 are closely matched, each topping 2 of 7 metrics.
Put the Airbus A220-300 (introduced 2016) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737-800 (introduced 1998) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 737-800 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A220-300 vs 737-800: the key differences
- The A220-300 delivers 9% more range (A220-300: 3,400 nm; 737-800: 3,115 nm).
- The A220-300 delivers 8% more cruise speed (A220-300: 487 kt; 737-800: 453 kt).
- The 737-800 delivers 18% more passenger capacity (A220-300: 160 seats; 737-800: 189 seats).
- The A220-300 is the newer design (introduced 2016 versus 1998 for the 737-800), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 737-800 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (174,200 lbs versus 167,551 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 737-800 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?
Choose the A220-300 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 737-800 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A220-300 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
A220-300 vs 737-800: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A220-300 or the 737-800?
The A220-300 has the longer published range — 3,400 nm versus 3,115 nm for the 737-800.
Does the A220-300 or 737-800 seat more passengers?
The 737-800 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 189 seats, compared with 160 on the A220-300.
Which is faster, the A220-300 or the 737-800?
The A220-300 cruises faster, at 487 kt versus 453 kt for the 737-800.
Which is newer, the A220-300 or the 737-800?
The A220-300 is the newer design, introduced in 2016 versus 1998 for the 737-800.
Is the A220-300 or the 737-800 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 737-800 is the larger aircraft — 174,200 lbs versus 167,551 lbs for the A220-300.
Should I buy the A220-300 or the 737-800?
Choose the A220-300 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 737-800 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A220-300 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the A220-300 vs 737-800?
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.