When we say “commercial airliners”, the first thing that comes into people’s minds are passenger jets. However, there are different types of commercial airliners and not all carries passengers. Some carries only cargo. Hence, allow me to share the different types of commercial airliners that you see.
However, there is a difference between commercial airliners and private jets. Commercial airliners are the big players in the aviation game. These are the planes you usually fly on when you book a ticket for a vacation or business trip. Designed to carry a lot of people over long distances, they’re all about efficiency and safety. You’ll find all sorts of sizes, from small jets that hop between nearby cities to massive widebody planes that can cross oceans.
On the other hand, private jets are the show ponies. These planes offer a whole different level of air travel. We’re talking luxury, convenience, and a whole lot of personal space. They carry less than 20 passengers but really do provide a luxurious air travel experience.
Super Jumbo and Jumbo Jets
When you think of big planes, jumbo jets like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 probably come to mind. The Boeing 747, often called the Queen of the Skies, has been around since 1970 and changed the way we travel. It can carry a lot of people—up to 600 depending on the layout—and has a long range, making it great for international flights.
The Airbus A380 is even bigger and came onto the scene in 2007. It can carry an incredible number of passengers, from 500 to over 850. It’s known for its comfort and quietness, making it a top pick for long flights. Both of these jumbo jets can also carry a lot of cargo, making them super versatile.
Widebody Aircraft
Widebody aircraft are known for their spacious cabins. They have two aisles, which means more room for passengers and cargo. Planes like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 fall into this category. They’re not as big as jumbo jets but are designed for long flights. They can go far without needing to refuel and offer a comfortable experience with bigger seats and more storage space.
Other widebody aircraft include:
- Boeing 787
- Boeing 767
- Airbus A340
- Airbus A330
- Airbus A310
- Airbus A300
- McDonnell Douglas MD-11 / DC-10
- Lockheed L1011 Tristar
- Ilyushin Il-96
Narrowbody Aircraft
Narrowbody aircraft are the planes you’ll most likely fly on for short trips. They have a single aisle and are easier to get on and off. The Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 are popular examples. These planes are great for domestic and regional flights and can carry between 100 and 240 passengers. They’re also more flexible and can land on shorter runways, making them good for flights to smaller airports.
One of the best things about narrowbody aircraft is their efficiency. They’re cheaper to operate and can do more flights in a day. This is especially useful during busy travel seasons when airlines need to move a lot of people.
Other narrowbody aircraft include:
- Boeing 757
- Boeing 727
- Boeing 717
- Boeing 707
- Airbus A220 / Bombardier CS
- Embraer E-Jets
- Embraer CRJ jets
- McDonnell Douglas Dc-9 / MD-80 series
- BAC 1-11
- DeHavilland Canada DHC Dash 8-400
- ATR 72
- ATR 42
Cargo Planes
Cargo planes are the backbone of global trade. They carry everything from food to machinery. Some are specially built for cargo, like the Beluga or Dreamlifter. Others, like the Boeing 747-8F and Boeing 777F, are adapted from passenger planes. These planes have big interiors for easy loading and unloading and can carry a lot of weight. They’re essential for moving goods quickly and efficiently around the world.
Other cargo planes include:
- Airbus Beluga XL
- Antonov An-124
- Airbus A321P2F
- Airbus A330F
- Boeing 737F
Commercial airliners vary in size and engine count based on what they’re designed to do. Hopefully, this clears up how to tell a widebody from a narrowbody plane. A quick tip to know what type of plane you’re on? If there’s just one aisle, you’re on a narrowbody. If you spot two aisles, you’re flying on a widebody.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
