A380 vs 767-300ER
The A380 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 767-300ER (introduced 1988) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. 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 767-300ER: the key differences
- The A380 delivers 28% more range (A380: 8,200 nm; 767-300ER: 6,385 nm).
- The A380 delivers 10% more cruise speed (A380: 507 kt; 767-300ER: 459 kt).
- The A380 delivers 143% more passenger capacity (A380: 853 seats; 767-300ER: 351 seats).
- The A380 is the newer design (introduced 2007 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER), a gap of 19 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 412,775 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A380 runs 4 engines against 2 on the 767-300ER — 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 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 767-300ER 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 767-300ER: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A380 or the 767-300ER?
The A380 has the longer published range — 8,200 nm versus 6,385 nm for the 767-300ER.
Does the A380 or 767-300ER seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 351 on the 767-300ER.
Which is faster, the A380 or the 767-300ER?
The A380 cruises faster, at 507 kt versus 459 kt for the 767-300ER.
Which is newer, the A380 or the 767-300ER?
The A380 is the newer design, introduced in 2007 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER.
Is the A380 or the 767-300ER the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 412,775 lbs for the 767-300ER.
Should I buy the A380 or the 767-300ER?
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 767-300ER 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 767-300ER?
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.