How much does a passenger plane cost?

Answer 1

For comparison purposes, listed are two aircraft types: Latest 'Jumbo' series aircraft and most popular short and mid-range aircraft. Price variances can be dramatic, dependant upon options such as engine type, configuration, avionics, and customisation.

The Airbus A380, also known as the 'Super Jumbo,' generally holds an average of circa 500 passengers in a multi-configured class, (F,J,S,Y). However, the aircraft can be configured in a charter or troop configuration of up to 853 passengers. The A380, having a take-off maximum weight of 1,235,000 pounds, features engines which produce up to 70,000 pounds of thrust.

The A380 can travel a maximum of 9,756 miles. The average cost of an Airbus A380 is USD$389.9 million.

The new Boeing 747-8I, known as 'The Queen of the Skies,' generally carries an average of circa 467 passengers, or with an all coach configuration up to 518. Having a maximum take-off weight of 987,000, produces 66.500 pounds of thrust.

The 747-9I can travel up to 11,443 miles. On a comparative basis, the Boeing 747-8I could travel non-stop from New York to Sydney. The Airbus A380 cannot. The average cost of a 747-8I is USD$351.4 million

For comparison, the A380 is 238 feet long. The 747-8I is 250 feet long, making it the longest aircraft in the world.

Boeing's single-aisle 737 is the world's most popular aircraft - there are more 737's in service than any other jetliner. The 737 is Boeing's smallest and most affordable commercial aircraft. The list price of the 737 ranges between USD$51.5 million and USD$87 million, dependant upon the model, customisation, and engine type. The aircraft carries, in dual configuration, up to 177, or in full economy, up to 189 passengers.

A comparative model to the 737 is the Airbus' A320, another popular single aisle, twin engine aircraft. The A320 has been best known as the first aircraft to feature 'fly-by-wire' avionics, where the pilot's input is transmitted electronically, rather than by traditional hydraulic means. The A320 can carry an average of 138 passengers, with a maximum capacity of 179. Airbus list the price for the A320 at circa USD$85 million, dependant upon the model, customisation, and engine type.