The A380 and A320 are two of the most iconic jets in the skies. Developed by Airbus, they are used by commercial airlines around the world. While they share the same manufacturer, however, the A380 and A320 are designed for different roles. Below are six key differences between the A380 and A320.
#1) Size
Perhaps the most notable difference between the A380 and A320 is size. The A320 is a single-aisle jet with a length of 123 feet and 3 inches and a wingspan of 117 feet and 5 inches. The A380, on the other hand, has a length of 238 feet and 7 inches and a wingspan of 261 feet and 8 inches, making it the world’s largest commercial airliner.
#2) Passenger Capacity
Given its chart-topping size, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the A380 can accommodate more passengers than the A320. The A320 typically seats 140 to 170 passengers, with a maximum passenger capacity of 180. The A380, in comparison, can accommodate 555 to 850 passengers, depending on the layout and configuration.
#3) Range
Another key difference between the A320 and A380 is the range. The former was designed for short- and medium-distance routes, whereas the latter was designed for long-distance routes. As a result, the A380 has a longer range of about 8,000 to 9,000 nautical miles compared to the A320’s range of 3,300 nautical miles.
#4) Units in Service
There are more A320 jets in service than A380 jets. Estimates suggest that there are currently just under 200 A380s in service. In comparison, there are over 11,000 A320s in service. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the A320 is more popular, however. Rather, it costs less to purchase and maintain than the A380, which is considered to be one of the most expensive commercial jets on the market.
#5) Engines
While they are both powered by turbofan engines, the A380 has twice as many engines as its counterpart. The A320 only has two engines, whereas the A380 has four engines. With four engines, it’s more powerful than the A320. The A380 typically has four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance GP7200 turbofans.
#6) Cruising Speed
The A380 has a slightly faster cruising speed. The A380’s cruising speed is about 587 mph, whereas the A320’s cruising speed is about 530 to 540 mph. One of the factors attributed to the A380’s faster cruising speed is its four engines.
