A318 vs 717-200
The A318 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A318 (introduced 2003) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 717-200 (introduced 1999) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the A318 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A318 vs 717-200: the key differences
- The A318 delivers 50% more range (A318: 3,100 nm; 717-200: 2,060 nm).
- The A318 delivers 2% more cruise speed (A318: 447 kt; 717-200: 438 kt).
- The 717-200 delivers 2% more passenger capacity (A318: 132 seats; 717-200: 134 seats).
- The A318 is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1999 for the 717-200), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A318 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (149,900 lbs versus 121,000 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 717-200 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 A318 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 717-200 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A318 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.
A318 vs 717-200: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A318 or the 717-200?
The A318 has the longer published range — 3,100 nm versus 2,060 nm for the 717-200.
Does the A318 or 717-200 seat more passengers?
The 717-200 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 134 seats, compared with 132 on the A318.
Which is faster, the A318 or the 717-200?
The A318 cruises faster, at 447 kt versus 438 kt for the 717-200.
Which is newer, the A318 or the 717-200?
The A318 is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1999 for the 717-200.
Is the A318 or the 717-200 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A318 is the larger aircraft — 149,900 lbs versus 121,000 lbs for the 717-200.
Should I buy the A318 or the 717-200?
Choose the A318 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 717-200 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A318 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 A318 vs 717-200?
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.