Boeing 787 (Dreamliner): Aircraft Type Review
The 787 Dreamliner introduced a new generation of widebody travel. Lower cabin altitude (6,000 ft vs 8,000 ft), larger windows with electronic dimming, better humidity control, and 1-2-1 business class layouts on most operators. Now the workhorse of long-haul international.
Manufacturer: Boeing · Capacity: Up to 330 passengers (typical 250-280)
Best premium products on this aircraft
- Etihad business class (787 with sliding doors)
- Qantas business class on 787-9
- ANA business class (787 routes)
- American Airlines Flagship Business 787-9
- United Polaris on 787-9/10
- Singapore Airlines (787-10)
Airlines operating the Boeing 787 (Dreamliner)
- United Airlines (787-9, 787-10)
- American Airlines (787-8, 787-9)
- ANA (largest 787 operator)
- Etihad Airways (787-9)
- Qantas (787-9)
- Air Canada (787-8, 787-9)
- British Airways (787-8, 787-9)
- Lufthansa (787-9)
- Many more (Aeromexico, LATAM, etc.)
Cabin pros
- Lower cabin altitude (6,000 ft) means less jet lag
- Larger windows with electronic dimming (no shade pulls)
- Better humidity in cabin
- Quieter than 777 and A380
- 1-2-1 business class layout standard on most carriers
- Carbon-fiber composite means better fuel efficiency
Cabin cons
- Narrower fuselage than 777 — slightly tighter
- Some operators have older non-lie-flat business class on 787
- Less storage than larger aircraft
- Engine reliability issues have caused some cancellations
Common routes for the Boeing 787 (Dreamliner)
- US-Europe (United, AA, Air Canada)
- US-Asia (United, ANA)
- US-Australia (Qantas)
- Europe-Asia (Etihad, ANA)
- Trans-Pacific (Multiple operators)
FAQ
Is the 787 better than the 777 for business class?
Different. 787 has lower cabin altitude (better for jet lag), larger windows, quieter cabin. 777 has larger fuselage allowing wider business class seats and more first-class options. For comfort: 787 wins on environmental factors. For premium luxury: 777 (with Qsuite/First) wins.
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