How we calculate our numbers
Every derived metric on this site is computed from the sourced core specification. Here is exactly how, so the numbers are checkable, and citable.
Every derived metric, formula by formula
Seats per metre
Formula: typical seats ÷ fuselage length
A density proxy you can compare across sizes. It is how the A380's double deck shows up in a single number, more seats per metre of fuselage than anything else flying.
Range per tonne
Formula: maximum range ÷ MTOW in tonnes
How far each tonne of maximum weight takes you. Smaller aircraft score dramatically higher, it is an honest way to see why the industry moved from quads to light twins.
Span-to-length ratio
Formula: wingspan ÷ fuselage length
A shape signature. Above 1.0 the wing is wider than the aircraft is long, rare, and the A380 is the only one here that does it.
Weight per metre
Formula: MTOW ÷ fuselage length
Range in hours
Formula: maximum range ÷ cruise speed
Weight per seat
Formula: MTOW ÷ typical seats
What the ✓ tick actually means
Operator fleet counts move constantly, and most aviation sites quietly present a stale number as fact. We do not. Every operator row on this site is one of two things, and we say which.
A row marked ✓ has been individually checked against a named, dated source, an airline filing, a manufacturer statement, or a maintained fleet record, and that source is listed at the bottom of the page. A row marked ≈ is an approximate snapshot: broadly right, good enough to reason about, and not something you should quote in a contract. Currently 7 of 264 operator rows carry a tick, and the flagship fleets, Emirates, Southwest, United, are among them. That number will only go up.
We would rather show you an honest ≈ than a confident lie.
Where the core data comes from
Core specifications are taken from manufacturer documents, Boeing and Airbus airport-planning manuals and technical pages, and type certificate data sheets, cited per row on every spec table. Operator fleet counts are approximate snapshots, marked with ≈ and a last-verified date, and re-checked against airline press material.
Where sources conflict, we say so on the page and cite both. If you spot an error, tell us, corrections are made visibly, not silently.