What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 757-300 and Airbus A350-900

Boeing 757-300 vs Airbus A350-900 Size Comparison

At 66.80 meters, the Airbus A350-900 is 12.40 meters longer than the Boeing 757-300.

With a wingspan of 64.80 meters, the Airbus A350-900 is 26.80 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.

The Boeing 757-300 and Airbus A350-900 have heights of 13.60 meters and 17.10 meters respectively - making the Airbus A350-900 3.50 meters taller.

Boeing 757-300 vs Airbus A350-900 Range

Airbus A350-900’s range of 15,372 kilometers is greater than Boeing 757-300’s range of 6,295 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A350-900 can fly nonstop approximately 9,077 kilometers further.

The Airbus A350-900 can hold 37,248 gallons of fuel, which is 25,783 gallons more than the Boeing 757-300’s tank capacity of 11,465 gallons.

Boeing 757-300 vs Airbus A350-900 Seating

In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A350-900 can accommodate 319 passengers, which is about 57 passengers more than Boeing 757-300’s seating capacity.

The Airbus A350-900’s max seating capacity is 440 passengers, compared to 295 passengers of the Boeing 757-300.

About the Boeing 757-300

The Boeing 757-300, an extended variant of the popular 757 series, is a narrow-body, twin engine aircraft serving medium-long haul routes. As a stretched version of the 757-200, the 757-300 was designed to accommodate a higher passenger capacity while maintaining the series' operational efficiency and versatility. The B753 entered the commercial aviation market in 1998 with the German airline Condor.

Sometimes referred to as the "flying pencil", the 757-300 has a rather long and skinny fuselage. It measures in at over 54 meters (178 feet), making it the longest, single-aisle twinjet ever built. The wingspan remains at 38.0 meters (124.7 feet), and the wing area is 185.3 square meters (1994.0 square feet), consistent with the 757 series design. The extended fuselage of the 757-300 allows it to carry a larger number of passengers, enhancing its appeal for airlines looking to maximize capacity on popular routes.

The typical seating arrangement in the 757-300 is designed to accommodate about 262 passengers. This configuration usually includes a dual-class layout, with the majority of the cabin dedicated to economy class in a 3-3 seat configuration, alongside a smaller business class section. This layout enables airlines to optimize the balance between passenger comfort and density, making the aircraft particularly suitable for high-demand, medium-range routes.

Powered by Rolls-Royce RB211s or Pratt & Whitney PW2043s the 757-300 is capable of delivering a maximum thrust of 387.0 kN (87,000 lbf), the Boeing 757-300 offers a range of approximately 6,295 kilometers (3,399 nautical miles). This range, combined with its passenger capacity, positions the 757-300 as a competitive option for airlines operating busy domestic and transcontinental routes.

In the market, the Boeing 757-300 faced competition from similar narrow-body aircraft, such as variants from the Airbus A321 series and the McDonnell Douglas MD-90. These aircraft offered comparable range and capacity, creating a competitive landscape in the segment of extended narrow-body airliners. Production for the 757-300 totaled just 55 aircraft. Airlines that have incorporated the Boeing 757-300 into their fleets include Continental Airlines (now merged with United Airlines), Delta Air Lines, and Icelandair. These carriers have utilized the aircraft's unique combination of capacity and range to efficiently serve a mix of domestic and international routes, underscoring the 757-300's utility in commercial aviation.

The Boeing 757-300, while not as widely produced as its shorter counterpart, the 757-200, still marks an important development in the evolution of the 757 series. Its extended fuselage and increased capacity cater to specific market needs, demonstrating Boeing's adaptability in responding to evolving airline requirements. As a variant of one of the most recognizable narrow-body aircraft families, the 757-300 continues to play a role in the global aviation industry, particularly in markets where capacity and efficiency are paramount.

About the Airbus A350-900

Launched in 2013, the Airbus A350-900 is a long-haul, wide-body aircraft designed for high-capacity travel. The modern twin-engine aircraft offers a combination of range, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

The A350-900, with a length of 219.2 feet (66.8 meters) and a wingspan of 212.4 feet (64.8 meters), stands out for its considerable size. Its wing area of 4,757.6 square feet (442.0 square meters) contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft accommodates 319 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. Its design prioritizes passenger comfort, incorporating features such as a quieter cabin and advanced air systems for a more pleasant travel experience. Equipped with Trent XWB turbofan engines that deliver a total thrust of 148,000 lbf (660.0 kN), the A350-900 boasts significant fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. With a fuel capacity of 37,248 US gallons (141,000 liters), the aircraft achieves a range of 8,300 nautical miles (15,372 kilometers), enabling airlines to operate on extensive long-haul routes without stopovers.

In the competitive field of wide-body aircraft, the A350-900 challenges models like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Boeing 777-200ER. It is recognized for its innovative use of materials, including extensive carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, which contributes to weight reduction and overall efficiency. Key operators of the Airbus A350-900, such as Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, and Delta Air Lines have utilized the aircraft for its operational flexibility and economic performance. The A350-900 serves a variety of long-range routes from domestic cross-country flights to international long-haul routes.

The Airbus A350-900's introduction into the market was a significant step in Airbus's strategy to offer cutting-edge, efficient aircraft. Its development reflects the manufacturer's response to airlines' demands for sustainable, high-capacity, and long-range travel solutions.

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