airliners

An airliner is a fixed-wing aircraft designed for carrying passengers on scheduled commercial flights. Airliners are differentiated from freighters and military transports by their passenger cabins, seating configurations, and long-range capabilities. They are commonly categorized into narrow-body aircraft with around 80–200 seats for short- to medium-haul routes, and wide-body aircraft with 200–500 seats for long-haul services.

Most airliners are powered by turbofan engines and feature pressurized cabins, multi-crew operations, and advanced avionics. Modern designs strive for fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and quiet operation. Many newer airliners use fly-by-wire flight controls and composite materials, enabling longer range and higher reliability. The mission profile of an airliner—distance, payload, and airport constraints—drives its size, range, and cabin configuration.

Boeing and Airbus are the leading producers of large passenger airliners, with regional and smaller jets produced by other manufacturers such as Embraer and Bombardier (A220). Notable models include the Boeing 737, 747, 777, and 787; and the Airbus A320 family, A330, A350, and A380. These aircraft are typically configured with multiple cabin classes and offering varying ranges for different routes.

Airliners operate under civil aviation authorities and require type certification, ongoing airworthiness maintenance, and adherence to international standards for safety and security. They have transformed commercial aviation by enabling high-capacity, long-distance travel and enabling hub-and-spoke networks. Ongoing developments focus on efficiency and sustainability, including lighter materials, new engines, and potential future propulsion concepts.