Aircraft

Aircraft by Route Type

There are currently over a hundred aircraft types used to transport passengers. Ranging from fewer than 10 seats to over 800 (with the A-380), each is suited to specific types of routes.

For passengers, aircraft can broadly be grouped into three distinct families:

Long-Haul

These are used for long distances. Naturally, they have the longest range (often over 10,000 km) and a large seating capacity of around 200 to 500 seats (and over 800 for the A-380). This market is largely dominated by Boeing and Airbus. The top models from both manufacturers include the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A-380, two aircraft equipped with the latest technological innovations in air transport. Most fleets also include the Boeing 747 (with its upper deck) and 767, or the Airbus A-330 and A-340. These models, in their various versions, make up the bulk of many carriers' wide-body fleets.

Other aircraft like the MD-11 or, for some airlines—particularly in the East—the Ilyushin 62, also fall into this category. However, these models are gradually being phased out in favour of larger Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Medium-Haul

This is the most common range for most international airlines, some of which also use them for all types of routes, from long-haul to domestic. Here too, Boeing and Airbus share a large portion of production with the 737, 757, A-300, A-310, and A-320.

With a shorter range—typically 5,000 to 10,000 km—they also often have a smaller seating capacity than long-haul aircraft, accommodating between 100 and 300 passengers. Unlike the more spacious long-haul models, they usually feature two rows of seats and two classes (Economy and Business).

While Airbus and Boeing models increasingly dominate this segment, you may still occasionally fly on various MD-Boeing (MD-80, etc.), British Aerospace, or Tupolev aircraft.

Small-Capacity Aircraft

Used by major airlines for low-traffic routes or forming the exclusive fleets of regional carriers, these aircraft typically have a range limited to 3,000 km or less and seat fewer than 100 passengers in one or, less commonly, two classes. This category includes models like the Fokker, Canadair, and Embraer ranges.

Trends

With steadily increasing air traffic, demand for aircraft is clearly set to grow in the coming years. For long-haul aircraft alone, the number already exceeded 3,000 by 2010.

However, beyond range, seating capacity is now a key factor. Airlines aim to match aircraft to route demand and network availability. In this respect, the 240–400-seat range is expected to see the strongest growth, even though it currently accounts for less than 20% of aircraft with over 100 seats worldwide (compared to 73% for the 100–240-seat range). The launch of the A-380 and Boeing 747-400X has also sparked interest in the 500-seat-plus segment.

As for manufacturers, the Airbus–Boeing rivalry is set to intensify, with promising prospects for the European manufacturer, which regularly surpasses its American competitor.

Beyond traffic growth, technical innovations are also emerging—and will continue to do so. For airlines, this means even safer and, above all, more fuel-efficient aircraft like the A-319. For passengers, innovations include quieter planes, more spacious cabins, and more comfortable seats, along with the widespread adoption of sophisticated onboard equipment such as individual screens, telephony, and internet access. First and Business class passengers may even enjoy sleeper cabins, gyms, and in-flight bars and shops.

As for the aircraft of the future, while there is talk of 500–800-seat planes (like the Airbus A-380), "Super-Concorde" fleets (Boeing is exploring a supersonic aircraft), gas-powered planes, and many other ambitious, realistic, or utopian projects, for most airlines, the aircraft of tomorrow may simply be today’s wide-body jets from major global carriers.

Key Aircraft

Specifications for around forty of the most common commercial aircraft. Even if some are no longer in production, you may still encounter them, typically with secondary airlines.