Boeing 747 Vs 777 Size Comparison Guide

The Boeing 747 jumbo jet and Boeing 777 twin jet are two of the most popular and recognizable wide-body commercial airliners in the aviation industry. Both introduced in the 1990s, these aircraft continue to be in service today across major airlines around the world. 

But what exactly sets them apart? While one is referred to as the “Queen of the Skies” and the other the “Triple Seven”, they have some key differences when it comes to size, capacity, range, technology and passenger comfort. 

Read on to learn a comprehensive comparison between them.

A Brief Comparison Table Between The Two Boeing Aircraft

Category	Boeing 747	Boeing 777
Introduction	1970	1994
Size	Large wide-body	Large wide-body
Seating capacity	Up to 660 passengers	Up to 550 passengers
Range	5,300–8,000 nm	5,235–8,555 nm
Wingspan	211 ft 5 in	199 ft 11 in
Operating empty weight	387,810 lb	299,370 lb
Cruise speed	570 mph	529 mph
Engines	4 engines	2 engines
Airport compatibility	Requires large airports	More airport compatible
Comfort and amenities	Spacious, some models have first class	Modern amenities, premium economy

Now let’s take a deeper look at each aircraft type.

Overview of the Boeing 747

The Boeing 747, also known as the “Jumbo Jet”, was launched in the late 1960s as the world’s first wide-body commercial aircraft. Its iconic bulge shape makes it highly recognizable and it was revolutionary at the time for its massive size and capacity.

Some key facts and features of the 747:

• Larger than the Boeing 777 in physical size and wingspan
• Can hold between 410 to 660 passengers depending on configuration
• Original models had only First Class and Economy, newer models have Business Class
• Many variants exist including the 747-8 Intercontinental which is the largest variant
• Flown by major airlines globally including Lufthansa, British Airways, Qantas
• Older models lack newer in-flight entertainment and connectivity tech
• Very large aircraft that requires special large airport accommodations
• Operating range of 5,300 to 8,000 nautical miles
• Top cruising speed of 570 mph
• Four engines for power
• Higher operating costs than more modern twin jet aircraft

Even with the launch of newer more efficient aircraft, the 747 remains an industry icon today. Its incredible capacity makes it a popular choice for high density long haul routes.

Overview of the Boeing 777

The Boeing 777 first entered service in 1995 and has gained great popularity with airlines and passengers alike since. Often referred to simply as the “Triple Seven”, it features advanced technology and great operating economics.

Here are some important specs and details on the 777:

• Smaller than 747 but still considered a large wide-body aircraft
• Standard seating up to 550 passengers in three classes
• Designed with comfort and reduced fatigue in mind
• Modern glass cockpit and advanced navigation systems
• Introduced innovations like larger windows and higher cabin humidity
• First aircraft designed entirely by computer modeling
• Powered by only two powerful efficient engines
• Impressive range capabilities from 5,235 to 8,555 nautical miles
• Cruising speed up to 529 mph
• State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system and connectivity
• Higher commonality between variants reducing maintenance costs
• Can operate from most major airports worldwide

With excellent fuel efficiency, range and passenger comfort, the 777 maintains high demand today for long haul routes.

Now that we’ve covered the basic overview, let’s compare key aspects of these two Boeing wide-body jets.

Detailed Comparison Between the Boeing 747 and 777

Explore the detailed comparison between the Boeing 747 and 777, covering size, capacity, range, fuel efficiency, cockpit technology, and passenger comfort to understand their unique advantages in airline operations.

Size and Capacity

The Boeing 747 is clearly the larger aircraft in physical size. With a wingspan of 211 ft and length of 250 ft, the 747 is about 20-30 ft longer than the 777. The 747 also has a taller tail height of 63 ft compared to 60 ft for the 777.

In terms of passenger capacity, the 747 can hold more people in total. While the 777 accommodates around 550 passengers typically, the 747 can carry between 410 up to a maximum of 660 people depending on airline configuration. The 747 has more space for its first/business class and greater economy density.

For airlines needing to maximize passenger loads on busy routes, the 747 has the advantage. But for many airlines today, the 777’s smaller yet still spacious capacity strikes the right balance.

Range and Speed

With four engines, the 747 has considerable thrust enabling it to cover very long distances. The 747-8 variant has an incredible range of 8,000 nautical miles. Earlier 747 models had ranges between 5,300–6,100 nautical miles, still very impressive.

By comparison, the Boeing 777 has excellent range capabilities from 5,235 up to 8,555 nautical miles depending on variant. So while the 777 variants match or slightly exceed the 747, the jumbo jet still holds the advantage for absolute longest range.

When it comes to cruising speed, the 747 bests the 777 reaching 570 mph compared to 529 mph. With greater thrust, the 747 can fly faster for additional time savings on extra long haul flights. 

However, the speed difference is not highly significant between the two aircraft for most airline operations.

Fuel Efficiency and Costs

One of the 777’s major advantages is its fuel efficiency, being a modern twin-engine aircraft. With only two powerful engines, the 777 burns less fuel for the thrust produced. The GE90 engines on many 777s are extremely high bypass ratio.

The 747 with its four engines has greater fuel consumption which adds to overhead costs. While engine technology has improved on newer 747s, having four engines inherently burns more fuel especially relative to the size. Airline operating costs are a major factor, and per seat costs are lower on the 777.

Maintenance costs are also lower on the 777 given greater parts commonality between variants. Overall operating economics favor the 777 for most airlines today leading to decline in 747 sales. However, the 747’s capacity makes it still useful for high density routes.

Flight Deck and Avionics

Cockpit technology is an area where the newer 777 has a clear advantage. The 777 was the first commercial aircraft designed entirely by computer modeling which streamlined many systems.

The 777 glass cockpit features the latest avionics for navigation, displays, autopilot, flight systems and more. It includes a modern digital fly-by-wire control system for reduced workload. The flight deck incorporates significant human factors research for efficiency.

While later 747 models have updated avionics, in-service fleets still operate older analog gauges and instruments. In terms of automation and reduced workload for pilots, the 777 maintains a noticeable edge. It also features a more modern flight management system central to navigation.

Passenger Comfort and Amenities

For many airline customers, the onboard experience is a major priority. Here the newer 777 delivers an advantage with the latest cabin comforts and amenities.

The 777 really set new benchmarks for long range travel including larger dimmable windows, higher cabin humidity and pressure, and lower noise. Many 777s also feature modern in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. Premium economy sections are common as well on the 777.

While the 747 delivers a very spacious interior, even in economy its older cabins lack some of the comforts passengers expect today. However, variants like the 747-8 have been updated with newer cabins and seating. For airlines that equip them well, 747s can still provide a very nice inflight experience.

This comparison shows the 747 and 777 have unique advantages that make them suitable for different airline roles. For extremely high capacity demand over very long ranges, the 747 remains unmatched. 

But for most applications, the 777’s efficiency and comfort delivers flexibility airlines want today. 

The 777 continues to be popular on long haul routes worldwide, while the 747 maintains its iconic status that will carry on into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 747 and 777

Explore common questions about two of Boeing’s iconic wide-body aircraft, the 747 and 777. Learn about their size, range, engines, cockpit technology, and passenger comfort features.

Is The Boeing 777 Bigger Than The 747?

No. The 747 is considerably larger in physical dimensions. The 747 has a longer body and greater wingspan which enables it to hold more passengers.

How Far Can A 747 Fly Without Refueling?

The Boeing 747 has an impressive range capability that depends on the specific variant. The longest range version, the 747-8, can fly up to 8,000 nautical miles without refueling. Earlier versions like the 747-400 can fly around 6,100 to 7,260 nautical miles.

Which Boeing Wide-Body Has More Range, 777 Or 747?

The latest Boeing 747-8 has the longest overall range at 8,000 nautical miles. However, the Boeing 777 variants have excellent range too from 5,235 up to 8,555 nautical miles for the 777-200LR Worldliner. The larger 747 barely surpasses the 777 for absolute maximum range.

How Many Engines Does A 747 Have Compared To A 777?

The Boeing 747 uses four engines mounted under the wings while the Boeing 777 uses only two larger, more efficient engines. The 777’s twin engines require less fuel and maintenance.

What Are The Main Differences In Cockpit Technology Between The 747 And 777?

The newer Boeing 777 features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and advanced digital fly-by-wire controls. The 747 has more traditional analog instrumentation and hydraulically controlled flight systems. The 777 was designed completely by computer modeling.

Which Wide-Body Aircraft Provides Better Passenger Comfort, 747 Or 777?

The Boeing 777 is regarded to offer a better overall passenger experience, with innovations like higher cabin humidity and pressure, larger dimmable windows, lower noise levels, and modern amenities. However, 747 cabin upgrades on newer models have also improved comfort.

Final Thoughts

The Boeing 747 jumbo jet and 777 twin jet are industry icons that have each revolutionized wide-body air travel through innovative technology and design. 

While the 747 has a beloved place in aviation history, the newer 777 delivers efficiency and performance airlines demand today.

The massive 747 still holds advantages for high capacity long haul routes needing its incredible size and range. 

But most airlines prefer the 777’s smaller flexible capacity combined with modern comfort and operating economics. Both aircraft continue to connect the world in their own remarkable ways.