A350-900 vs MD-11
The A350-900 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus A350-900 (introduced 2015) and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) 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 range, where the A350-900 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.
A350-900 vs MD-11: the key differences
- The A350-900 delivers 18% more range (A350-900: 8,100 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The A350-900 delivers 10% more cruise speed (A350-900: 521 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The A350-900 delivers 7% more passenger capacity (A350-900: 440 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The A350-900 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 25 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The MD-11 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (630,500 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 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 A350-900 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 A350-900 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.
More comparisons
A350-900 vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A350-900 or the MD-11?
The A350-900 has the longer published range — 8,100 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the A350-900 or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The A350-900 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 410 on the MD-11.
Which is faster, the A350-900 or the MD-11?
The A350-900 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the A350-900 or the MD-11?
The A350-900 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the A350-900 or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD-11 is the larger aircraft — 630,500 lbs versus 617,295 lbs for the A350-900.
Should I buy the A350-900 or the MD-11?
On published specifications the A350-900 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 A350-900 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.