The Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” are two of the most recognizable wide-body aircraft in the skies today. They’re the workhorses of long-haul air travel, connecting people and places across vast distances.
But what are the real differences between these two iconic planes? This article breaks down the key similarities and differences between the Boeing 777 and the Dreamliner 787, considering everything from passenger capacity and technical specifications to fuel efficiency, safety, and overall cost.
We’ll look at the passenger experience, the technical specifications, the engines that power these planes, their safety records, and, of course, price, orders, and deliveries. Read on for an in-depth comparison of the Boeing 777 vs. 787.
Passenger Capacity and Experience
When choosing between the 777 and 787, airlines consider how many passengers they can carry and the overall experience for those passengers.
Passenger Capacity
In a typical two-class configuration, the Boeing 777 can hold between 313 and 392 passengers, while the Boeing 787 accommodates 248 to 336. The 777’s higher capacity makes it suitable for high-demand routes, while the 787’s smaller size allows airlines to profitably serve routes with less traffic. The more seats an airline can sell on a flight, the better the chances of profitability.
Passenger Experience
The Boeing 777 has a wider cabin at 5.87 meters (19 feet 3 inches), compared to the 787’s 5.5 meters (18 feet). But cabin width isn’t the only factor. The 787 boasts a lower cabin altitude and higher humidity, which many passengers find more comfortable. The 787 also features larger windows with dimming technology, and noise levels tend to be lower than on the 777.
Tech Specs: Dimensions, Range, and Performance
When you’re trying to decide which plane is better, it helps to compare their vital statistics.
Dimensions
Both the 777 and the 787 come in a variety of models, so let’s look at the dimensions of some of the most popular versions:
- Boeing 777-300ER: Length: 242 ft, Wingspan: 212 ft 7 in, Height: 60 ft 8 in
- Boeing 777-9: Length: 251 ft 9 in, Wingspan: 235 ft 5 in, Height: 64 ft 8 in
- Boeing 787-9: Length: 206 ft, Wingspan: 197 ft, Height: 56 ft
- Boeing 787-10: Length: 224 ft, Wingspan: 197 ft, Height: 56 ft
Range and Speed
Here’s how the range and speed compare for some of these models:
- Boeing 777-300ER: Range: 7,285 nautical miles, Cruising Speed: Mach 0.84
- Boeing 777-9: Range: 7,285 nautical miles, Cruising Speed: Mach 0.84
- Boeing 787-9: Range: 7,530 nautical miles, Cruising Speed: Mach 0.85
- Boeing 787-10: Range: 6,430 nautical miles, Cruising Speed: Mach 0.85
With their range and speed, both planes are well suited for long-haul flights. The 787-9, with its slightly longer range, can connect city pairs that the 777-300ER can’t. The slightly faster cruising speed of the 787 family may shave a few minutes off your flight time.
Engine Differences and Thrust
Both the 777 and 787 offer airlines a choice of engines, but the options differ. The 777 famously offers the General Electric GE90, which is the largest and most powerful jet engine ever built. Other engine options include the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 and the Rolls-Royce Trent 800.
The 787, on the other hand, is powered by either the General Electric GEnx or the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. These engines are generally smaller and lighter than those on the 777, reflecting the 787’s focus on fuel efficiency.
The GE90 on the 777 can produce a maximum thrust of over 115,000 pounds, significantly more than the engines on the 787. Engine choice impacts fuel efficiency and performance, with some offering better range and others prioritizing speed or payload capacity.
Fuel Efficiency: A Key Differentiator
One of the biggest differences between the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 777 is fuel consumption. A 777 burns through approximately 6,080 to 7,500 liters of fuel per hour. The 787, on the other hand, uses about 4,900 to 5,600 liters per hour. Of course, these numbers can change based on the specific 777 and 787 models.
Let’s look at fuel consumption per seat. A Boeing 777-300ER uses about 2.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers for each seat. The 787-10 only uses 2.27 liters per 100 kilometers per seat.
The 787’s lower fuel consumption is largely because of its composite materials. These materials make the plane lighter, which means it needs less fuel to fly. This improved fuel efficiency translates to lower operating costs for airlines and a smaller environmental impact.
How safe are the 777 and 787?
Let’s look at the safety records of these two aircraft.
As of August 2022, the Boeing 777 had been involved in 31 accidents or incidents, resulting in 8 hull losses and 541 fatalities. As of March 2023, the 787 had been involved in 7 accidents or incidents, with no fatalities or hull losses.
This means the 777 averages 1.25 incidents per year, while the 787 averages about 0.5.
It’s important to keep in mind that the 787 is a newer plane. It’s only been in operation for about half the time that the 777 has. Both airplanes are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and redundant control systems.
Price and Operational Costs
The average sticker price for these aircraft varies widely. Here’s what they cost as of March 2022 (or the most recent available data):
- Boeing 777-200ER: $306 million
- Boeing 777-9: $442 million
- Boeing 787-8: $248 million
- Boeing 787-10: $338 million
However, the initial price isn’t the only factor. Fuel efficiency and maintenance costs play a huge role in how much these planes cost to operate. The 787, with its modern engines and lighter composite materials, generally wins out on fuel efficiency. Maintenance costs are a more complex equation and depend on the specific routes, usage, and maintenance schedules.
Orders and Deliveries: Which Plane Do Airlines Prefer?
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
- Boeing 777 Orders: 2,150
- Boeing 777 Deliveries: 1,713
- Boeing 787 Orders: 1,756
- Boeing 787 Deliveries: 1,072
While the 777 has a higher number of deliveries to date, the 787 Dreamliner is catching up. Both aircraft are incredibly popular and serve different needs within the airline industry, offering long-range capabilities and fuel efficiency that airlines value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 787 have bigger engines than the 777?
No, the 787 Dreamliner typically does not have bigger engines than the Boeing 777. The 777, especially the 777-300ER, boasts some of the largest and most powerful engines ever put on a commercial aircraft (the GE90 engine). The 787 utilizes more fuel-efficient engines designed for long-range performance, not necessarily sheer size or thrust.
What is the difference between American Airlines Boeing 777 and 787?
American Airlines uses both the 777 and 787 for long-haul international routes, but they offer a slightly different passenger experience. The 777 is typically larger and carries more passengers. The 787 offers advancements like higher cabin humidity, larger windows, and a smoother ride due to its composite construction. The 777 may have a slightly wider seat width in some configurations, but the 787 is generally considered a more modern and comfortable aircraft.
What makes the 787 Dreamliner special?
The 787 Dreamliner is special for several reasons. Its composite construction makes it lighter and more fuel-efficient. It also features larger windows, higher cabin humidity (reducing dryness), lower cabin altitude (making it feel less pressurized), and advanced turbulence-dampening technology. All these features combine to offer passengers a more comfortable and less fatiguing long-haul flying experience.
In Summary
The Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner are both popular wide-body aircraft, but they cater to different needs. The 777 generally offers a greater passenger capacity and longer range, making it suitable for high-demand, long-haul routes. The 787, on the other hand, shines with its superior fuel efficiency, which can translate to lower operating costs, especially on routes where passenger demand doesn’t necessarily fill a larger plane.
When airlines choose between the 777 and 787, they need to carefully consider factors like the specific route requirements, anticipated passenger demand, current fuel costs, and their overall operational budget. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Despite their differences, both the Boeing 777 and the 787 Dreamliner continue to play vital roles in the aviation industry, serving diverse routes and passenger needs across the globe. Both aircraft ensure airlines can offer travelers comfort and connectivity.