777-300ER vs MD-11
The 777-300ER leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 777-300ER (introduced 2003) beside the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
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777-300ER vs MD-11: the key differences
- The 777-300ER delivers 8% more range (777-300ER: 7,370 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The 777-300ER delivers 3% more cruise speed (777-300ER: 488 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The MD-11 delivers 4% more passenger capacity (777-300ER: 396 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The 777-300ER is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 13 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 777-300ER is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (775,000 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 777-300ER 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 MD-11 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?
Choose the 777-300ER when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD-11 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 777-300ER holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
777-300ER vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 777-300ER or the MD-11?
The 777-300ER has the longer published range — 7,370 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the 777-300ER or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The MD-11 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 410 seats, compared with 396 on the 777-300ER.
Which is faster, the 777-300ER or the MD-11?
The 777-300ER cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the 777-300ER or the MD-11?
The 777-300ER is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the 777-300ER or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 777-300ER is the larger aircraft — 775,000 lbs versus 630,500 lbs for the MD-11.
Should I buy the 777-300ER or the MD-11?
Choose the 777-300ER when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD-11 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 777-300ER holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the 777-300ER 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.