The best long-haul commercial aircraft for business travelers
Decisions, decisions. What influences your choice to book air tickets for business trips? Cost? Timing? Maybe loyalty memberships?
Whatever springs to mind, it’s probably not the type of aircraft unless you’re a real aviation geek. Corporate Traveler books thousands of business travelers every year, and we know if you’re flying long-haul for work, it can make a big difference.
New aircraft come into service regularly. They’re designed to make longer flights more comfortable with more legroom and better air filtration. Modern aircraft have quieter engines and are better for the environment, too. Older models retire and are sent to aviation museums, aircraft graveyards, or sometimes even converted into hotels.
Even if you have no interest in plane spotting, the aircraft you fly on will make a difference to your journey. More comfort equals better quality rest and more productive business travel.
The most common aircraft for long flights
As of November 2024, there are around 28,400 commercial aircraft in active service. This is the highest number since 2020 and shows the recovery of the travel industry after many aircraft were grounded and stored because of COVID-19.
Typically, the aircraft most popular for long-haul flights are:
- Boeing 747 (production ended in 2022)
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Airbus A320
- Airbus A350
- Airbus A380 (production ended in 2020)
Comparing the top aircraft for corporate travel
BOEING 787 DREAMLINER
You’ll be happy to hear comfort is a priority for the Dreamliner. It’s actually the aircraft chosen by Qantas for the 14-hour, 20-minute direct flight between Melbourne and Los Angeles. That’s a long flight!
Boeing is particularly proud of the 787’s fuel efficiency. Combined with the composite materials used to make the planes themselves, it’s one of the most economical and energy-saving aircraft in the skies.
Key stats:
- First commercial flight: 2011
- Seats: 242-335 passengers
- Operated by: Air Canada, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, United Airlines
The Dreamliner is designed with deep relaxation in mind to leave you refreshed and reduce jet lag. These features create a restful atmosphere at 30,000 feet by carefully considering all your senses:
- Improved air conditioning and filtration to regulate cabin temperature
- Reduced engine noise
- Soft LED lighting
- Windows 65% larger than the standard and dimmable at the touch of a button
AIRBUS A350
Up, up, and away! A direct competitor to the Dreamliner, the Airbus A350 feels more roomy due to its high ceilings, wide seats, and straight walls. Fuel-efficient measures include cost-effective and weight-saving material in the wings and fuselage, plus wing design influenced by birds to reduce drag and reduce fuel consumption.
This spacious cocoon of an aircraft has one unique difference: most A350s don’t have First Class. However, this aircraft is a common choice for business travelers flying on carriers like Lufthansa Airlines or China Airlines. For Corporate Traveler customers, it’s a practical choice that usually fits within the travel budget and travel policy.
- First commercial flight: 2015
- Seats: 280-366 passengers
- Operated by: Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
- Atmosphere: The Airbus 350 boasts higher air quality.
- Sound: A quieter engine similar to the Dreamliner.
- Sight: Ambient lighting and pull-down windows block out most daylight when the lights go out.
AIRBUS A380
The big double-decker, and it’s still the largest commercial plane in use.
- First commercial flight: 2007
- Seats: 525-830 passengers
- Operated by: British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines
All that space means airlines can flex their design muscle.
- Air France: La Première cabin resembles an exclusive members lounge
- Emirates: onboard bar, lounges, chefs and spa showers.
- Etihad Airways: 125-square-foot apartments known as The Residence with a lounge, en-suite shower room, double bedroom and personal butler.
- Qantas: Skybeds in Business Class
- Qatar Airways: First Class and Business bar
These swanky additions do come at a cost, pushing the per-person carbon footprint higher than the Dreamliner and A350. The A380 is a quiet and surprisingly stable aircraft for its size, so on a good day, you’ll barely notice you’re in flight.
It’s quick, too, managing London to Singapore in 14 hours and 10 minutes with British Airways. It’s an efficient way to get business travelers from A to B (business).
Corporate Traveler’s most recommended planes
The best choice of aircraft is unique to you and your business, but we do have favorites based on a few different preferences. Looking for value, time savings, or comfort are common needs for corporate travelers.
For complete luxury and comfort nothing beats First or Business Class seats on the A380. Or Etihad’s The Residence, if you can stretch that far.
If you’re on a tighter budget or not as luxury-focused, the A350 is just as comfortable in terms of noise, light and air quality, even in Economy.
If you want a killer view from the window seat then it has to be the Dreamliner with its bigger, auto-dimmable windows. Look at those skies!
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To find out more about the best options for business travel, check out these resources:
To get the most out of your travel program, book a meeting with one of our travel experts to discover the best travel plans designed for your business.