A350-1000 vs 747-8 Intercontinental
The A350-1000 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A350-1000 (introduced 2018) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 747-8 Intercontinental (introduced 2012) 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 A350-1000 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
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A350-1000 vs 747-8 Intercontinental: the key differences
- The A350-1000 delivers 13% more range (A350-1000: 8,700 nm; 747-8 Intercontinental: 7,730 nm).
- The A350-1000 delivers 5% more cruise speed (A350-1000: 521 kt; 747-8 Intercontinental: 495 kt).
- The A350-1000 delivers 3% more passenger capacity (A350-1000: 480 seats; 747-8 Intercontinental: 467 seats).
- The A350-1000 is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2012 for the 747-8 Intercontinental), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 747-8 Intercontinental is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (987,000 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 747-8 Intercontinental — 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 A350-1000 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 A350-1000 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 747-8 Intercontinental 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.
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A350-1000 vs 747-8 Intercontinental: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A350-1000 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A350-1000 has the longer published range — 8,700 nm versus 7,730 nm for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Does the A350-1000 or 747-8 Intercontinental seat more passengers?
The A350-1000 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 480 seats, compared with 467 on the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Which is faster, the A350-1000 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A350-1000 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 495 kt for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Which is newer, the A350-1000 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A350-1000 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2012 for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Is the A350-1000 or the 747-8 Intercontinental the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 747-8 Intercontinental is the larger aircraft — 987,000 lbs versus 727,525 lbs for the A350-1000.
Should I buy the A350-1000 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
On published specifications the A350-1000 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 747-8 Intercontinental 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 A350-1000 vs 747-8 Intercontinental?
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.