A380 vs 777-300ER
A380 and 777-300ER are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 777-300ER (introduced 2003) 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. undefined
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A380 vs 777-300ER: the key differences
- The A380 delivers 11% more range (A380: 8,200 nm; 777-300ER: 7,370 nm).
- The A380 delivers 4% more cruise speed (A380: 507 kt; 777-300ER: 488 kt).
- The A380 delivers 115% more passenger capacity (A380: 853 seats; 777-300ER: 396 seats).
- The A380 is the newer design (introduced 2007 versus 2003 for the 777-300ER), a gap of 4 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 775,000 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 777-300ER — 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 777-300ER 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.
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A380 vs 777-300ER: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A380 or the 777-300ER?
The A380 has the longer published range — 8,200 nm versus 7,370 nm for the 777-300ER.
Does the A380 or 777-300ER seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 396 on the 777-300ER.
Which is faster, the A380 or the 777-300ER?
The A380 cruises faster, at 507 kt versus 488 kt for the 777-300ER.
Which is newer, the A380 or the 777-300ER?
The A380 is the newer design, introduced in 2007 versus 2003 for the 777-300ER.
Is the A380 or the 777-300ER the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 775,000 lbs for the 777-300ER.
Should I buy the A380 or the 777-300ER?
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 777-300ER 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 777-300ER?
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.