A350-1000 vs MD-11
The A350-1000 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A350-1000 (introduced 2018) beside the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) 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.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A350-1000 vs MD-11: the key differences
- The A350-1000 delivers 27% more range (A350-1000: 8,700 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The A350-1000 delivers 10% more cruise speed (A350-1000: 521 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The A350-1000 delivers 17% more passenger capacity (A350-1000: 480 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The A350-1000 is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 28 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A350-1000 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (727,525 lbs versus 630,500 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 3 on the MD-11 — 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 MD-11 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 MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A350-1000 or the MD-11?
The A350-1000 has the longer published range — 8,700 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the A350-1000 or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The A350-1000 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 480 seats, compared with 410 on the MD-11.
Which is faster, the A350-1000 or the MD-11?
The A350-1000 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the A350-1000 or the MD-11?
The A350-1000 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the A350-1000 or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A350-1000 is the larger aircraft — 727,525 lbs versus 630,500 lbs for the MD-11.
Should I buy the A350-1000 or the MD-11?
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 MD-11 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 MD-11?
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.