A350-1000 vs A380
The A350-1000 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus A350-1000 (introduced 2018) and the Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the A380 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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A350-1000 vs A380: the key differences
- The A350-1000 delivers 6% more range (A350-1000: 8,700 nm; A380: 8,200 nm).
- The A350-1000 delivers 3% more cruise speed (A350-1000: 521 kt; A380: 507 kt).
- The A380 delivers 78% more passenger capacity (A350-1000: 480 seats; A380: 853 seats).
- The A350-1000 is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2007 for the A380), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A380 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,267,658 lbs versus 727,525 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A350-1000 runs 2 engines against 4 on the A380 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the A380 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 A350-1000 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the A380 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A350-1000 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.
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A350-1000 vs A380: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A350-1000 or the A380?
The A350-1000 has the longer published range — 8,700 nm versus 8,200 nm for the A380.
Does the A350-1000 or A380 seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 480 on the A350-1000.
Which is faster, the A350-1000 or the A380?
The A350-1000 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 507 kt for the A380.
Which is newer, the A350-1000 or the A380?
The A350-1000 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2007 for the A380.
Is the A350-1000 or the A380 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 727,525 lbs for the A350-1000.
Should I buy the A350-1000 or the A380?
Choose the A350-1000 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the A380 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A350-1000 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 A350-1000 vs A380?
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.