A380 vs 747-8 Intercontinental
The A380 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 747-8 Intercontinental (introduced 2012) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the A380 carries more passengers. 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.
A380 vs 747-8 Intercontinental: the key differences
- The A380 delivers 6% more range (A380: 8,200 nm; 747-8 Intercontinental: 7,730 nm).
- The A380 delivers 2% more cruise speed (A380: 507 kt; 747-8 Intercontinental: 495 kt).
- The A380 delivers 83% more passenger capacity (A380: 853 seats; 747-8 Intercontinental: 467 seats).
- The 747-8 Intercontinental is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 2007 for the A380), a gap of 5 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 987,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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?
On published specifications the A380 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.
More comparisons
A380 vs 747-8 Intercontinental: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A380 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A380 has the longer published range — 8,200 nm versus 7,730 nm for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Does the A380 or 747-8 Intercontinental seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 467 on the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Which is faster, the A380 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The A380 cruises faster, at 507 kt versus 495 kt for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Which is newer, the A380 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
The 747-8 Intercontinental is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 2007 for the A380.
Is the A380 or the 747-8 Intercontinental the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 987,000 lbs for the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Should I buy the A380 or the 747-8 Intercontinental?
On published specifications the A380 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 A380 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.