Commercial aircraft manufacturers
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), around 4 billion passengers will take flights in commercial aircraft in 2017. A staggering total that’s nearly doubled in just 12 years. Estimates as to the total amount of aircraft in service (both commercial and cargo) vary from 23,600 to 39,000, according to aviation analysts.
To combat demand, aircraft manufacturers are now building increasingly larger planes, such as the Airbus A380. The world’s first double decker commercial jet aircraft, the A380 can carry 555 passengers and has a giant wingspan of just over 261ft 10in (79.8m).
We take a look at some of the most successful commercial aircraft manufacturers:
Boeing
Founded on 16 July 1916 in Seattle, USA, Boeing is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets as well as defense and space systems. Boeing has estimated that the demand for commercial aircraft over the next 20 years will be so great that 39,620 new planes will be needed.
Popular Boeing commercial aircraft:
737-700 Max passengers: 149
737-800 Max passengers: 189 / Max take-off weight: 79,000 kg
737-900ER Max passengers: 220 / Max take-off weight: 85,150 kg
737 MAX Range: 7,085 km / 172 passengers / Length: 35.6 m / Has a special Max AT winglet for superior fuel efficiency.
747-8 Selected as the next Presidential aircraft, Air Force One. The 747-8 will fly 7,730 nmiles. 1,000 miles further than the current 747-200. Max take-off weight: 442,000 kg. Cruise Speed 0.855 Mach. The fastest commercial jet on the planet.
777-300 Length: 73.9 m / Range: Max 11,000 nm / Max take-off weight: 299,370 kg
777-300ER Length: 73.9 m / Range: 14,600 / Max take-off weight: 351,800 kg
777X New development comprising 777-8 and 777-9. Features new engines and new composite wings with folding wingtips. Deliveries are expected late 2019.
787 Dreamliner Range: 15,190 km / Top speed: 954 km/h
Airbus SE
Airbus was founded on 18 December 1970, in Blagnac, France by a consortium that included the former Prime Minister of Bavaria, Franz Josef Strauss. The group is involved in civilian as well as military aeronautical design and manufacture.
Statistics from July 2017 show Airbus’ overall net orders for the first seven months of 2017 totalled 205 jetliners, including orders for four jets from its A330 and A350 XWB range.
In October 2016 Airbus celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th aircraft since it began 40 years ago. Delivered to Singapore Airlines, the A350-900 jetliner featured a special 10,000th delivery livery. New engine option (neo) class has large sharklet wingtip devices that deliver 15% in fuel savings.
Popular Airbus commercial aircraft:
A320 family
A319neo: Range: 6,950 km / Max passengers: 156 / Max take-off weight: 75,500 kg / Length: 33.84 m
A320neo: Range: 6,850 km / Max passengers: 150 / Max take-off weight: 77,000 kg / Length: 37.57 m
A321neo: Range: 6,850 km / Max passengers: 185 / Max take-off weight: 93,000 kg / Length: 44.51 m
A330 family
A330-200: Range: 13,450 km / Max passengers: 247 / Max take-off weight: 233,000 kg / Length: 58.82 m
A330-300: Range: 11,750 km / Max passengers: 277 / Max take-off weight: 233,000 kg / Length: 63.66 m
A330-800neo: Range: 13,900 km / Max passengers: 257 / Max take-off weight: 242,200 kg / Length: 58.82 m
A330-900neo: Range: 12,130 km / Max passengers: 287 / Max take-off weight: 242,200 kg / Length: 63.66 m
A350 XWB family
A350-800: Range: 15,270 km / Max passengers: 325 / Max take-off weight: 245,00 kg / Length: 60.54 m
A350-900: Range: 15,000 km / Max passengers: 325 / Max take-off weight: 265,000 kg / Length: 66.8 m
A350-1000: Range: 14,800 km / Max passengers: 366 / Max take-off weight: 295,000 kg / Length: 73.78 m
A380
The double-deck A380 is the largest commercial aircraft flying today. Airbus’ development study unveiled in 2017 for an enhanced A380 – termed the A380plus – that would offer an aircraft with increased range, greater passenger capacity, and reduced fuel usage.
Bombardier Aerospace
Bombardier is the world’s largest aircraft and train manufacturer, located in Montreal Canada. The company was founded on July 10 1942 by Joseph-Armand Bombardier at Valcourt, Quebec, Canada.
Popular Bombardier commercial aircraft:
CS Series:
CS100: Range: 5,740 km / Max speed: 541 mph / Max passengers: 135
CS300: Range: 6,112 km / Max speed: 541 mph / Max passengers: 160
Q Series
Q400: Range: 2,040 km / Max speed: 414 mph / Max passengers: 90
CRJ Series:
CRJ700: Range: 2,550 km / Max speed: 544mph / Max passengers: 78
CRJ900: Range: 2,876 km / Max speed: 541mph / Max passengers: 90
CRJ1000: Range: 3,000 km / Max speed: 541mph / Max passengers: 104
