Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Pioneering all-composite construction and point-to-point long-haul economics
Aviation Heritage & Operational Role
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner transformed commercial aviation economics by enabling airlines to fly long-distance oceanic routes directly between secondary cities, bypassing traditional mega-hubs. Constructed with 50 percent composite materials by weight, the 787 delivers a 20 to 25 percent reduction in fuel burn compared to predecessor aircraft. Passengers experience electrochromic dimmable windows, higher cabin humidity, and lower cabin altitude.
Breakthrough Innovations & Engineering Milestones
First commercial transport with majority composite fuselage barrel sections
Bleedless electrical architecture replacing pneumatic engine bleed air systems
Electrochromic dimmable passenger windows without physical plastic shades
Smoother ride technology counteracting sudden turbulence with rapid flight-control deflection
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Major Model Variants
Different fuselage lengths, gross weights, and powerplant configurations across the Boeing 787 Dreamliner production lifecycle.
| Variant | First Flight | Typical Seating | Range (NM) | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 787-8 Dreamliner | 2009 | 242 - 248 | 7,355 NM | 13,620 km |
| 787-9 Dreamliner | 2013 | 290 - 296 | 7,565 NM | 14,010 km |
| 787-10 Dreamliner | 2017 | 330 - 336 | 6,330 NM | 11,730 km |
Commercial Airlines Flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Prominent global carriers in our directory that operate or previously deployed Boeing 787 Dreamliner airframes across their scheduled flight networks.
Key Facts: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner is manufactured by Boeing and entered commercial service in 2011.
- The airframe operates in the Wide-body segment with a maximum certified range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km).
- Cruising speed is rated at Mach 0.85 (903 km/h) (903 km/h).
- Commercial passenger capacity typically ranges around 242 - 330 typical.