Boeing 747 vs 777 vs A350: Fuel Costs Compared

Simple Flying ran the numbers on what it costs to operate three of the most iconic widebody jets in 2026: the Boeing 747, the 777 and the Airbus A350. The headline is no surprise: the older four-engine 747 burns far more fuel than its modern twin-engine rivals.

The comparison uses direct operating costs, with fuel as the biggest variable. At the late September jet fuel price of $4.415 per gallon, Simple Flying pegs the 747-8's hourly fuel bill during cruise at about $17,280. That's based on roughly 3,914 gallons burned each hour, according to Aircraft Investigation Info.

The Boeing 777-300ER, which carries 350 to 425 passengers in a two-class setup, uses about 2,833 gallons per hour. That works out to roughly $12,500 in fuel during each hour of cruise, or about 28% less than the 747-8.

The Airbus A350-1000 does even better. With room for 369 passengers in two classes, it consumes around 2,268 gallons per hour, or just over $10,000 in fuel. Simple Flying notes that's about 20% lower than the 777-300ER and more than 42% below the 747-8.

Fuel isn't the only cost. Maintenance scales with engine count, and the 747's four engines each need their own overhaul program. Add in crew pay, airport fees, navigation charges and other direct costs, and Simple Flying estimates the 747's total block-hour cost often lands between $20,000 and $30,000. A 777 typically stays under $20,000, and an A350 costs noticeably less.

For travellers, the economics help explain why airlines are retiring the Queen of the Skies and why newer twin-engine jets dominate long-haul routes. The 747 may still turn heads, but it's the A350 and 777 that keep ticket prices in check.

• Airbus A350
• airline economics
• Boeing 747
• Boeing 777
• fuel costs