A380 vs MD-11
The A380 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) 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 cabin capacity, where the A380 carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A380 vs MD-11: the key differences
- The A380 delivers 20% more range (A380: 8,200 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The A380 delivers 7% more cruise speed (A380: 507 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The A380 delivers 108% more passenger capacity (A380: 853 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The A380 is the newer design (introduced 2007 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 17 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 630,500 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 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 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 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
A380 vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A380 or the MD-11?
The A380 has the longer published range — 8,200 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the A380 or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 410 on the MD-11.
Which is faster, the A380 or the MD-11?
The A380 cruises faster, at 507 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the A380 or the MD-11?
The A380 is the newer design, introduced in 2007 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the A380 or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 630,500 lbs for the MD-11.
Should I buy the A380 or the MD-11?
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 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 A380 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.