A350-900 vs 747-8 Intercontinental
The A350-900 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A350-900 (introduced 2015) 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. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
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A350-900 vs 747-8 Intercontinental: the key differences
- The A350-900 delivers 5% more range (A350-900: 8,100 nm; 747-8 Intercontinental: 7,730 nm).
- The A350-900 delivers 5% more cruise speed (A350-900: 521 kt; 747-8 Intercontinental: 495 kt).
- The 747-8 Intercontinental delivers 6% more passenger capacity (A350-900: 440 seats; 747-8 Intercontinental: 467 seats).
- The A350-900 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 2012 for the 747-8 Intercontinental), a gap of 3 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 617,295 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A350-900 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 747-8 Intercontinental 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 A350-900 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 747-8 Intercontinental when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A350-900 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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A350-900 vs 747-8 Intercontinental: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A350-900 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A350-900 has the longer published range — 8,100 nm versus 7,730 nm for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Does the A350-900 or 747-8 Intercontinental seat more passengers?
The 747-8 Intercontinental carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 467 seats, compared with 440 on the A350-900.
Which is faster, the A350-900 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A350-900 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 495 kt for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Which is newer, the A350-900 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A350-900 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 2012 for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Is the A350-900 or the 747-8 Intercontinental the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 747-8 Intercontinental is the larger aircraft — 987,000 lbs versus 617,295 lbs for the A350-900.
Should I buy the A350-900 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
Choose the A350-900 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 747-8 Intercontinental when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A350-900 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 A350-900 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.