By the Numbers: Boeing 787-8 vs. 787-9 vs. 787-10
With last week's delivery of the very first 787-10 to Singapore Airlines, at Boeing's Charleston, South Carolina factory, the manufacturer's Dreamliner lineup — which first began passenger flights in 2011 with the smallest model, the 787-8 — is now complete.
The 787-10 is the largest model, measuring 38 feet longer than the smallest Dreamliner, the 787-8. That added capacity comes at the cost of range, though — with a maximum range of 8,785 miles, the -9 can travel nearly 1,400 miles farther than the -10.
The 787-9 Dreamliner is by far the most popular, given that it carries a large number of passengers while offering the maximum range. The 787-10, meanwhile, has seen just 171 orders, including 49 from Singapore, 30 from Etihad, 14 from United, 12 from British Airways and 8 from Air France-KLM, among others.
Below you'll find Boeing's three Dreamliner variants, by the numbers.
| Model | 787-8 | 787-9 | 787-10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length (Feet) | 186 | 206 | 224 |
| Wingspan | 197 ft., 4 in. | 197 ft., 4 in. | 197 ft., 4 in. |
| Seats (2-class) | 242 | 290 | 330 |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 pallets | 11 pallets | 13 pallets |
| Range (Miles) | 8,460 | 8,785 | 7,400 |
| Total Orders | 418 | 705 | 171 |
All three models boast features that improve passenger comfort, including lower altitude pressurization of 6,000 feet, higher humidity, LED lighting, large, electronic-dimming windows and a significant decrease in cabin noise.
They're also great for airlines, since they're far more efficient than previous-generation planes, offering a 20% reduction in fuel burn — and reduced emissions. Additionally, composite materials enable a 30% savings in maintenance costs, while flight-deck commonality allows 777 pilots to train for only five days before they're able to fly the Dreamliner.
For more on the Boeing Dreamliner, see: