It is normal and acceptable to be one of those passengers who know nothing about the airplanes that they travel in, except the seat where they will spend their entire journey. For an aircraft enthusiast, the plane trip is not just meant to go from one place to another. It is a whole fulfilling experience that only an aficionado can savor.
We do question the quality of service offered by the airline, but we often don’t realize that our comfort and flight experience is closely associated with the kind of airplane we are flying in.
Here are some of the most common airliners that most airlines buy.
10. Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is the biggest commercial airliner to accommodate a large number of passengers in its wide double decker body. The plane was first manufactured in 2004. A380 is pretty economical for commercial flights, so many airlines opt to buy this plane. Most common of its users are Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, and Lufthansa.
9. Boeing 707
The plane was first manufactured in 1958 and became one of the most popular commercial airplanes, but the manufacturing stopped in 1979. The average capacity of this aircraft is 190 passengers. Powered by four jet engines, Boeing 707 is the first plane from Boeing that made its way to the commercial market.
8. Airbus A320
Airbus A320 family consists of the smaller planes with a narrow body that fits best to the requirement of domestic flights with medium travel distances. The capacity of the A320 family planes is 220 passengers at maximum.
7. Boeing 727
Boeing 727 consists of airplanes of short to medium range with a capacity of 149 to 189 passengers each. The initially released original model was later improved, and now, it can reach heights of up to 270 nautical miles. It is one of the most commonly purchased planes by most airlines due to its requirement of shorter runways. This airliner is perfect, even for the smaller airports that only cater for domestic flights.
6. Boeing 767
The twin engine wide body Boeing 767 is one of the best creations of Boeing Commercial Airplanes that proved to be a breakthrough for the company, the reason being its glass cockpit accommodating two crews.
5. Boeing 757
The Boeing 757 is the largest single-aisle passenger planes produced by the company. Its production started in 1981 and did not stop until 2004. The plane’s super critical wing design reduces the aerodynamic drag, and this is the feature that gives it an edge over many others. Capable of accommodating about 289 passengers, this plane can go as high as 3,150 to 4,100 nautical miles.
4. Boeing 787
Also called the Dreamliner, Boeing 787 is one of the most remarkable achievements of Boeing for its incredible fuel efficiency. The wide body airplane is manufactured mostly from carbon reinforced plastics and ensures an excellent design that will account for the reduction in jet lag symptoms. The energy saving design focuses on power saving while improving flight experience. The intelligently engineered aircraft is bought by many airlines to cater for long haul international flights for a comfortable experience with significantly reduced noise.
3. Boeing 737
The Boeing 737 was initially planned for short to medium range distance flights, but alterations were made to increase the capacity to 85 to 215 passengers. The plane is among the company’s top sellers with a series of -600, -700, -800, and -900 ER. The latest model of the craft, the Boeing 737 MAX 9 has completed its maiden flight, and the launch is expected soon.
2. Boeing 777
Boeing 777 falls on the larger side of passenger airplanes with a capacity of 300 to 550 passengers; a very economical option for airline companies for international flights.
1. Boeing 747
Queen of Skies, this Jumbo Jet Boeing 747 remains at the top for its reliability and excellent performance in both cargo and commercial flights. It is the most sold plane in the world without a doubt.
