Airbus A330 vs A350

The Airbus A330 and A350 are both twin-engine wide-body airliners, but the A350 is a newer, more advanced design with more composite materials and longer range.

At a glance

• Introduced: the A330 first flew in 1992; the A350 in 2013.
• Typical seats: about 250 to 300 on the A330; about 300 to 410 on the A350, depending on version.
• Range: about 11,750 to 13,400 km for the A330 versions; about 15,000 km for the A350-900.
• Construction: the A350 uses far more carbon-fibre composites, which reduces weight.

Passenger experience

The A350 usually has a quieter cabin, higher humidity and lower cabin altitude, which some passengers find less tiring on long flights. Both aircraft are comfortable; the experience depends on the airline’s seats and service.

Efficiency

The A350 is generally more fuel-efficient per seat, which is why airlines use it for long flights. The A330 remains a workhorse for medium and long routes and for high-demand routes such as pilgrimage flights.

In Pakistan

The A330 flies to and from Pakistan with several airlines. The A350 is flown by some foreign carriers serving Pakistan. See Airbus A330 and Airbus A350.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.