The Airbus A350 XWB is a family of long-range, twin-engine wide-body jet airliners developed by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The A350 is the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing structures made primarily of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer.[12] Its variants seat 280 to 366 passengers in typical three-class seating layouts.[13] The A350 is positioned to succeed the A330 and A340, and compete with Boeing's 787 and 777.

The A350 was originally conceived in 2004, pairing the A330's fuselage with new aerodynamics features and engines. In 2006, Airbus redesigned the aircraft in response to criticism from several major prospective customers, renamed it the A350 XWB (extra wide body). Development costs are projected to be €12 billion (US$15 billion or £10 billion).[14] As of June 2015, Airbus had received orders for 781 aircraft from 40 customers worldwide.[6] The prototype A350 first flew on 14 June 2013 from Toulouse, France. Type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency was received in September 2014 and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration two months later. On 15 January 2015, the A350 entered service with Qatar Airways, the type's launch customer.

The ATR-72 is a stretched development of the popular ATR-42 and was launched in January 1986.

Significant differences between the ATR-72 and the smaller and older ATR-42 include a 4.50m (14ft 9in) fuselage stretch and reworked wings. The ATR-72's wings are new outboard of the engine nacelles and with 30% of it made up of composite materials, comprising composite spars and skin panels and a carbon fibre wing box.

Aside from the baseline ATR-72-200, two developments have been offered, the ATR-72-210, and the ATR-72-500 (previously ATR-72-210A). The ATR-72-210 is optimised for operations in hot and high conditions. It has more powerful PW-127 engines for better takeoff performance.

The ATR-72-500 (renamed from ATR-72-210A on May 18, 1998) further improved hot and high model was certificated in early 1997. It features PW-127Fs driving six blade composite Hamilton Sundstrand propellers.

The 727-100 had been in service barely a year when Boeing began serious consideration of a stretched, greater capacity development.

This resulted in the 727-200, which Boeing announced it was developing in August 1965. The 727-200 was essentially a minimum change development of the 100, the only major change being the 6.10m (20ft) fuselage stretch, which increased maximum seating to 189 passengers. The 727-200's stretch consisted of two 3.05m (10ft) plugs, one forward and one rear of the wing. Otherwise the 727-100 and 200 shared common engines, fuel tank capacity and the same maximum takeoff weight.

The first flight of the 727-200 occurred on July 27 1967, with certification granted in late November that year. The -200 was placed into service by launch customer Northeast Airlines (this airline was later acquired by Delta) the following month, by which time total 727 orders for both models had exceeded 500.

The 727-200 helped broaden the sales appeal of the 727 considerably and snared significant sales. However the 200 was restricted by its relatively short range, due to it having the same fuel capacity as the 727-100, so Boeing developed the increased range Advanced 727-200. First flown in March 1972 changes introduced on the Advanced model included increased fuel capacity, and thus range, the option of more powerful engines, quieter engine nacelles and strengthened structure. The Advanced remained the primary 727-200 production model until production ceased in 1984.

The 727-200 remains popular with passengers and pilots but it does not meet Stage 3 noise requirements. To overcome this a number of hushkit programs are on offer while Valsan converted 23 727s to its Stage 3 compliant Quiet 727 standard (before the company collapsed). This retrofit included installing JT8D-217s on the outer pylons and acoustic treatment of the centre engine. Other 727s have been fitted with winglets for improved performance.

The 737-300 is the first of the three member second generation CFM56 powered 737 family, which also comprises the stretched 737-400 and shortened 737-500. The success of the second generation Boeing 737 family pushed sales of the mark to over 3000, a record for a commercial jetliner. Boeing announced it was developing the 737-300 in March 1981.

This new variant started off as a simple stretch over the 737-200 but Boeing decided to adopt the CFM International CFM56 high bypass turbofan (jointly developed by General Electric and SNECMA) to reduce fuel consumption and comply with the then proposed International Civil Aviation Organisation Stage 3 noise limits.

Despite the all new engines and the 2.64m (104in) fuselage stretch, the 737-300 retains 80% airframe spares commonality and shares the same ground handling equipment with the 737-200. A number of aerodynamic improvements were incorporated to further improve efficiency including modified leading edge slats and a new dorsal fin extending from the tail.

Another feature was the flattened, oval shaped engine nacelles, while the nosewheel leg was extended to increase ground clearance for the new engines. Other internal changes include materials and systems improvements first developed for the 757 and 767 programs, including an early generation EFIS flightdeck (with four colour CRT screens).

The 737-300 flew for the first time on February 24 1984, while first deliveries were from November 1984. Since that time well over 1000 737-300s have been sold and it forms the backbone of many airlines' short haul fleets. The stretched 737-400 and shortened 737-500 are described separately.

Boeing's Next Generation 737-800 and 737-900 are the largest members of the strong selling 737 family. Unlike the other Next Generation 737s, the -800 and -900 introduce new fuselage lengths, extending 737 single class seating range out to 189, compared with 100 in the original 737-100.

Like the -600 and -700, the -800 and -900 feature the Next Generation improvements including more efficient CFM56-7B turbofans, the new wing with greater chord, span and wing area, larger tail surfaces and the 777 style EFIS flightdeck with six flat panel LCDs which can present information as on the 777 or as on the 737-300/400/500 series, the latter allowing a common pilot type rating for the two 737 families. A HUD is optional. BBJ style winglets are offered as an optional feature for the -800

The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body jet airliner developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Officially announced in 2005, the 747-8 is the third generation of the 747, with lengthened fuselage, redesigned wings, and improved efficiency. The 747-8 is the largest 747 version, the largest commercial aircraft built in the United States, and the longest passenger aircraft in the world.

The 747-8 is offered in two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo.[4] The first 747-8F performed the model's maiden flight on February 8, 2010, with the 747-8I following on March 20, 2011. Delivery of the first freighter aircraft occurred in October 2011 and the passenger model began deliveries in 2012.

As of November 2016, confirmed orders for the 747-8 total 138: 88 of the freighter version, and 50 of the passenger version

Boeing launched development of the 757 in March 1979 following orders from British Airways and Eastern. Developed in tandem with the larger widebody 767 the two types share a number of systems and technologies, including a common early generation EFIS flightdeck.

First flight was on February 19 1982 and the 757 entered service in January the following year. Subsequent versions to appear are the 757-200PF Package Freighter, a pure freighter, and the 757-200M Combi (only one has been built). The standard passenger aircraft is designated the 757-200, there being no 100. The stretched 757-300 is described separately.

Initial sales of the 757 were fairly slow, however orders picked up significantly in the mid to late 1980s as traffic on routes previously served by smaller 727s and 737s grew to require the 757's extra capacity. Today 757 sales comfortably exceed those of the 767

First flight was on February 19 1982 and the 757 entered service in January the following year. Subsequent versions to appear are the 757-200PF Package Freighter, a pure freighter, and the 757-200M Combi (only one has been built). The standard passenger aircraft is designated the 757-200, there being no 100. The stretched 757-300 is described separately.

Initial sales of the 757 were fairly slow, however orders picked up significantly in the mid to late 1980s as traffic on routes previously served by smaller 727s and 737s grew to require the 757's extra capacity. Today 757 sales comfortably exceed those of the 767

Boeing launched development of the 757 in March 1979 following orders from British Airways and Eastern. Developed in tandem with the larger widebody 767 the two types share a number of systems and technologies, including a common early generation EFIS flightdeck.

First flight was on February 19 1982 and the 757 entered service in January the following year. Subsequent versions to appear are the 757-200PF Package Freighter, a pure freighter, and the 757-200M Combi (only one has been built). The standard passenger aircraft is designated the 757-200, there being no 100. The stretched 757-300 is described separately.

Initial sales of the 757 were fairly slow, however orders picked up significantly in the mid to late 1980s as traffic on routes previously served by smaller 727s and 737s grew to require the 757's extra capacity. Today 757 sales comfortably exceed those of the 767

First flight was on February 19 1982 and the 757 entered service in January the following year. Subsequent versions to appear are the 757-200PF Package Freighter, a pure freighter, and the 757-200M Combi (only one has been built). The standard passenger aircraft is designated the 757-200, there being no 100. The stretched 757-300 is described separately.

Initial sales of the 757 were fairly slow, however orders picked up significantly in the mid to late 1980s as traffic on routes previously served by smaller 727s and 737s grew to require the 757's extra capacity. Today 757 sales comfortably exceed those of the 767

Boeing announced that it was developing a stretched development of the 767-200 in February 1982.

The resulting 767-300 features a 6.42m (21ft 1in) stretch consisting of fuselage plugs forward (3.07m/10ft 1in) and behind (3.35m/11ft) the wing centre section. The flightdeck and systems were carried directly over from the 767-200, the only other changes were minor, and related to the increased weights of the new version. Initially the max takeoff weight was the same as the later 767-200ER.

The 767-300 flew for the first time on January 30 1986, and was awarded certification and entered service in September that year. The higher weight Extended Range ER version flew on December 19 1986, while RollsRoyce RB-211-524G engines became available from 1989. The range of the 767-300ER has proven to be very popular with a number of airlines using them for long range low density flights.

In 1993 Boeing launched the 767-300F General Market Freighter. Changes include strengthened undercarriage and wing structure, a cargo handling system, no cabin windows and a main deck freight door. Capacity is 24 containers. The further stretched 767-400 is described separately.

Boeing's advanced widebody 777 twin incorporates more advanced technologies than any other previous Boeing airliner, and has been progressively developed into increasingly longer range developments.

The 777 was originally conceived as a stretched 767, but Boeing instead adopted an all new design. Notable 777 design features include a unique fuselage cross section, Boeing's first application of fly-by-wire, an advanced technology glass flightdeck with five liquid crystal displays, comparatively large scale use of composites (10% by weight), and advanced and extremely powerful engines. The 777 was also offered with optional folding wings where the outer 6m/21ft of each would fold upwards for operations at space restricted airports.

The basic 777-200 as launched in October 1990 was offered in two versions, the basic 777-200 (initially A-Market) and the increased weight longer range 777-200IGW (Increased Gross Weight, initially B-Market). The IGW has since been redesignated 777-200ER.

The 777-200 first flew on June 12 1994, with FAA and JAA certification awarded on April 19 1995. The FAA awarded full 180 minutes ETOPS clearance for PW4074 -200s on May 30 that year. First customer delivery was to United Airlines in May 1995. The first 777-200IGW/ER was delivered to British Airways in February 1997.

The 777-100X was a proposed shortened ultra long range (16,000km/8635nm) model, dropped in favour of the 777-200LR (originally 777-200X) design study. Boeing claims the 777-200LR will be the longest ranging airliner, capable of flying 16,417km (8865nm) - 18 hours flying time. It will achieve this with awesomely powerful 489kN (110,000lb) thrust GE90-110B1 turbofans, a significantly increased max takeoff weight and optional auxiliary fuel tanks in the rear cargo hold. Other changes include 2m (6.5ft) raked wingtips, new main landing gear, structural strengthening and optional overhead crew and flight attendant rest stations above the cabin. The 777-200LR was launched in 2000, but is now delayed until 2006

Boeing's 777-300 is powered by the world's most powerful turbofan engines.

The stretched 777-300 is designed as a replacement for early generation 747s (747-100s and 200s). Compared to the older 747s the stretched 777 has comparable passenger capacity and range, but burns one third less fuel and features 40% lower maintenance costs.

Compared with the baseline 777-200 the 300 features a 10.13m (33ft 3in) stretch, comprising plugs fore and aft of the wings. The longer fuselage allows seating for up to 550 passengers in a single class high density configuration. To cope with the stretch and the up to 13 tonne (28,600lb) increased max takeoff weight the 300 features a strengthened undercarriage, airframe and inboard wing. Other changes compared with the 777-200 include a tailskid and ground manoeuvring cameras mounted on the horizontal tail and underneath the forward fuselage. Otherwise changes have been kept to a minimum to maximise commonality.

Boeing publicly announced it was developing the 777-300 at the Paris Airshow in mid June 1995 where it revealed it had secured 31 firm orders from All Nippon, Cathay Pacific, Korean Airlines and Thai Airways. Later that month Boeing's board authorised production of the new aircraft.

The 777-300 rolled out on September 8 1997, followed by first flight on October 16 that year. The type made history on May 4 1998 when it was awarded type certification simultaneously from the US FAA and European JAA and was granted 180min ETOPS approval. Service entry with Cathay Pacific was later in that month.

Like the 777-200, a 777-300ER long range version has been developed. Changes made to the 777-300ER are more powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines (currently the world's most powerful jet engine), raked wingtips, strengthened body, wings, empennage, nose gear, engine struts and nacelles, new main landing gear, and provision for extra fuel tanks. The range, carrying 365 passengers, is increased up to 13,427km (7,250nm).

Roll-out of the first 777-300ER was made on November 14 2002

Bombardier's Canadair Regional Jet pioneered the new 50 seat jet class, and has since become a runaway sales success.
The Canadair Regional Jet - or CRJ - is designed to offer the high speed advantages of much larger jets, with similar standards of service while at the same time offering operating economics, particularly over longer stage lengths, close to that of comparable size turboprops.

The original CRJ-100 series - the 100, 100ER and 100LR - was augmented by the 200 series (with more efficient engines) in 1995. The Series 200 is available in standard 200, long range 200LR with optional greater fuel capacity, and the extended range Series 200LR (all three are offered in B form with CF34-3B1s for improved hot and high performance).

Bombardier's 70 seat de Havilland Dash 8 Series Q400 is the latest and longest member of the successful Dash 8 twin turboprop family, but with new engines, avionics and systems, a modified wing and stretched fuselage is essentially an all new aeroplane

The successful DC-8 Super 60 airliners are stretched developments of the DC-8 Series 50. The Super 70s are Super 60s re-engined with CFM56 high bypass turbofans. Douglas announced the DC-8 Super Sixty series in April 1965.

The first, a DC-8-61, took to the skies for the first time on March 14 1966, followed by the first flights of the DC-8-62 on August 29 1966 and the DC-8-63 on April 10 1967.

The DC-8-61 differed from the earlier DC-8-50 in having two fuselage plugs which increased length by 11.18m (36ft 8in), increasing max seating capacity to 259 (the largest of any single aisle airliner prior to the 757-300) and underfloor freight capacity by 80%.

Intended for domestic operations, its max takeoff weight was identical to the DC-8-50. The Super 62 was intended for long range operations and featured only a modest 2.04m (6ft 8in) stretch compared to the Series 50, greater wing span, revised engine nacelles and pylons and significantly increased fuel capacity.

The Super 63 meanwhile combined the DC-8-61's fuselage with the DC-8-62's wings. It was the final DC-8 variant in production, and the last was delivered in May 1972.

McDonnell Douglas initiated a re-engining program of Super 60 series aircraft with CFM International CFM56 engines in the early 1980s, known as the Super 70 Series. The first converted airframe flew in August 1981. The Super 70 aircraft are considerably quieter than their predecessors, with better fuel economy and greater range.

Canada's most successful commercial aircraft program with more than 800 built, the Twin Otter remains popular for its rugged construction and useful STOL performance.
The Series 300 was introduced from the 231st production aircraft in 1969. It featured the lengthened nose, but also introduced more powerful engines, thus allowing a 450kg (1000lb) increase in takeoff weight and a 20 seat interior. Production ceased in late 1988. In addition, six 300S enhanced STOL performance DHC-6-300s were built in the mid 1970s. .

The Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante, or `Bandit', remains Embraer's most successful commercial aircraft program.

Design of the EMB-110 was undertaken in response to a Brazilian Ministry of Aeronautics specification for a general purpose light transport suitable for military and civilian duties. The new design was developed with the assistance of well known French designer Max Holste, and the first of three YC-95 prototypes flew for the first time on October 26 1968.

Embraer (or Empresa Brasilera de Aeronautica SA) was established the following year, and development and production of the C95 became one of the company's first responsibilities. The first production standard EMB-110 Bandeirante (Portuguese for Pioneer) flew on August 9 1972, and the first entered airline service in April 1973.

Bandeirante models include the 12 seat transport EMB-110, the aerial photography EMB-110B and maritime patrol EMB-111 for the Brazilian air force; the initial airline version, the 15 seat EMB-110C; the seven seat EMB110E executive transport; 18 seat enlarged EMB-110P; convertible passenger/freight EMB110P1 with larger rear door; the EMB-110PA which replaced the 110P as the standard passenger aircraft from 1983 and introduced dihedral to the tailplane among other minor improvements; the EMB-110P1K and EMB-110K SAR military equivalents to the P1A; the EMB-110P2 commuter with seating for up to 21; the EMB-110P2A which replaced the P2 and introduced the same changes as the P1A; and the EMB-110P1A/41 and EMBP2A/41 versions of the P1A and P2A recertificated to US FAA SFAR41 standards with higher weights.

Production of the Bandeirante ceased in May 1990, the final aircraft being delivered to the Brazilian Air Force. Today the Bandeirante's virtues of reliability and good operating economics means that it remains popular with its operators.

The Embraer ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 series are all new entrants into the top end of the regional jet airliner market, with seating capacities spanning from 70 to 108.

Embraer announced the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 in February 1999, and formally launched the program on June 14 that year at the Paris Airshow. The first member of the family is the 70 seat Embraer 170, which rolled out on October 29 2001 (when the ERJ prefix was dropped for the marketing designation) and first flew on February 19 2002. Six aircraft were being used in the flight test program.

The public debut was at the Regional Airline Association convention at Nashville, Tennessee in May 2002, followed by its European debut at the Farnborough International Air Show in July the same year.

The 170 was certificated in February 2004 and deliveries started in March 2004 to LOT Polish Airlines, US Airways and Alitalia Express. Embraer is also building the Embraer 175, stretched by 1.77m (5ft 10in) over the Embraer 170. The first flight was made on June 14 2003. The 6.25m (8ft 5in) stretched Embraer 190 seats 98 passengers, the further stretched Embraer 195, 2.41m (7ft 11in) longer than the 190, will seat 108.

The Embraer 190 made the first flight in March 2004, followed by the 195 in December the same year. All three variants are offered in standard and LR (long range) variants.

A corporate jet version of the 170 is also proposed. Features of the family include new FADEC equipped GE CF34 engines (the most powerful CF34 variants), a new four abreast "double bubble" fuselage cross section, a moderately swept wing with winglets (added to the design in mid 2000), fly-by-wire flight controls, and Honeywell Primus Epic EFIS avionics.

Although Embraer 170/175/190/195 are the marketing designations, the official type certificate designations remain ERJ prefixed as ERJ-170/175/190/195.

The Embraer ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 series are all new entrants into the top end of the regional jet airliner market, with seating capacities spanning from 70 to 108.

Embraer announced the ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 in February 1999, and formally launched the program on June 14 that year at the Paris Airshow. The first member of the family is the 70 seat Embraer 170, which rolled out on October 29 2001 (when the ERJ prefix was dropped for the marketing designation) and first flew on February 19 2002. Six aircraft were being used in the flight test program.

The public debut was at the Regional Airline Association convention at Nashville, Tennessee in May 2002, followed by its European debut at the Farnborough International Air Show in July the same year.

The 170 was certificated in February 2004 and deliveries started in March 2004 to LOT Polish Airlines, US Airways and Alitalia Express. Embraer is also building the Embraer 175, stretched by 1.77m (5ft 10in) over the Embraer 170. The first flight was made on June 14 2003. The 6.25m (8ft 5in) stretched Embraer 190 seats 98 passengers, the further stretched Embraer 195, 2.41m (7ft 11in) longer than the 190, will seat 108.

The Embraer 190 made the first flight in March 2004, followed by the 195 in December the same year. All three variants are offered in standard and LR (long range) variants.

A corporate jet version of the 170 is also proposed. Features of the family include new FADEC equipped GE CF34 engines (the most powerful CF34 variants), a new four abreast "double bubble" fuselage cross section, a moderately swept wing with winglets (added to the design in mid 2000), fly-by-wire flight controls, and Honeywell Primus Epic EFIS avionics.

Although Embraer 170/175/190/195 are the marketing designations, the official type certificate designations remain ERJ prefixed as ERJ-170/175/190/195.

The popular MD-80 series is a stretched and improved development of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9. The origins of the MD-80 lie in 1975 testing where a standard DC-9 was fitted with improved, more efficient, higher bypass ratio JT8D-200 series turbofans.

MDC originally proposed fitting the new engines (which meet Stage 3 noise limits) to a development designated the DC-9-55, which would have featured two JT8D-209s and a 3.86m (12ft 8in) stretched fuselage over the 50. Instead MDC developed the DC-9 Super 80 (or DC-9-80), combining the new engines with a further stretched fuselage, increased span wing and other improvements. Launched in October 1977, the Super 80 first flew on October 18 1979. Certification for the initial Super 80 model, the 81, was granted in July 1981.

The first customer delivery was to Swissair in September 1980. McDonnell Douglas renamed the DC-9-80 the MD-80 in 1983. The MD-80 designation however is a generic designation for the series and does not apply to a certain model type. The specific MD-80 models are the initial MD-81, the MD-82 with more powerful JT8D-217s, the extended range MD-83 with extra fuel and more efficient JT8D-219s, and the MD-88 (first flight August 1987) with the JT8D-219s of the MD-83 with an EFIS flightdeck and redesigned cabin interior, with other improvements. The shorter fuselage but longer range MD-87 is described separately under McDonnell Douglas. Initial sales of the Super 80 were slow until American Airlines placed an initial order for 67 MD-82s (with options on 100) in early 1984 (American now operates a fleet of 260 MD-80s), kickstarting what went on to become a highly successful program - the 1000th MD-80 was delivered in March 1992. Following the 1997 merger of Boeing and

McDonnell Douglas the future of the Douglas airliners were reviewed. In December 1997 Boeing announced its decision to drop the MD-80 and MD-90 once current orders were fulfilled. An April 1998 TWA order for 24 MD-83s will see the MD-80 remain in production until January 2000.

The Kodiak is a high-wing turboprop-powered fixed-tricycle-gear all-metal aircraft suitable for humanitarian applications in unimproved areas; a skydiving version has been certified. Its cabin is not pressurized. The Kodiak bears a strong resemblance to the Cessna Caravan, but it is substantially smaller and lighter than the Cessna, intended more for the utilitarian market (although an executive interior, the "Summit package" with club seating, is planned for introduction in summer 2009).

Large contributors to the Kodiak's STOL performance are a fixed, discontinuous leading edge on the outboard wing and the popular, high performance Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine (750 hp @ TO). The PT6 has a reputation for reliability. Variants of the engine have been in service since the 1960s.

Passenger seats in the Kodiak are track-mounted, making them easily removable when cargo is to be carried. It has standard access doors for pilot and co-pilot positions, with a large clamshell door in the aft fuselage for cargo loading or for access to the other 6 passenger positions (the lower half of the clamshell door has automatically extending/retracting steps).

The Saab 340 proved to be a highly popular regional airliner that helped to pioneer the 30 seat turboprop class but slow sales in the late 1990s has forced Saab to cease production. In 1979 SaabScania of Sweden and Fairchild in the USA reached an agreement to conduct joint feasibility and development studies on a 30 to 40 seat commuter airliner.

The resulting SF340 design was launched in September 1980 with the aim of capturing 25 to 30% of its market. Within the 65/35 SaabFairchild partnership split Saab was responsible for the fuselage, fin and final assembly, while Fairchild was responsible for the wings, engine nacelles and empennage.

The two companies selected the General Electric CT7 (a commercial development of the T700 which powers Sikorsky's S70 series of military helicopters) to power the new airliner. The first of three SF340 prototypes first flew on January 25 1983, while the first production aircraft flew in early March 1984. US and European certification was awarded that June.

From November 1 1985 Saab assumed overall responsibility for the SF340 following Fairchild's decision to divest itself of its aircraft divisions. Saab initially retained the SF340 designation but later changed it to 340A. The first improved development of the Saab 340 was the 340B.

More powerful engines improved hot and high performance, while other changes included a greater span tailplane, a higher max takeoff weight and better range. Deliveries began in September 1989. The last development of the 340 was the 340B Plus, which introduced changes developed for the larger Saab 2000, including an improved cabin interior.

The first 340B Plus was delivered in March 1994. Lack of sales and profitibility however forced Saab to cease 340 and 2000 production, with the lines winding up in 1998.