Boeing 787 vs. 777: Understanding the Differences
The Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner are both giants of the sky. They are both wide-body aircraft used extensively for long-haul routes and are workhorses for many airlines.
This article compares the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, breaking down the key differences and similarities between these two popular airplanes. We’ll analyze factors like passenger capacity, flight range, fuel efficiency, and overall cost.
It’s important to note that Boeing didn’t intend for the 787 to be a direct competitor to the 777. However, understanding how they stack up against each other is valuable for aviation enthusiasts, airline industry professionals, and anyone curious about the world of commercial aviation.
Historical Context and Design Philosophy
The Boeing 777 first took flight in 1995. It was conceived as a large, long-range aircraft, able to carry a lot of passengers for very long distances.
The Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, was released in 2009. Its designers focused on a different goal: to maximize fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
It’s important to understand that the 787 wasn’t intended to compete with the 777. The 777 was built for capacity and range, while the 787 was built for affordability and passenger experience. They represent two different approaches to air travel.
Passenger Capacity and Experience
When you’re crammed into an aluminum tube at 30,000 feet, you’re probably interested in two things: how many other people are crammed in there with you, and how comfortable it is.
Passenger Capacity
In a typical two-class configuration, the 777 can hold between 313 and 392 passengers. The 787, on the other hand, holds between 248 and 336. So, the 777 can carry a good number more people, which is important for busy, popular routes.
The 787-10 is the variant that comes closest to the 777-300ER in terms of passenger capacity.
Passenger Experience
Boeing made a number of passenger experience improvements in the 787. The cabin altitude is lower, and the humidity is better, so you feel less like a prune when you arrive at your destination. The air is cleaner, the ride is smoother, and the sound quality is better.
The 787’s composite materials contribute to a quieter and more comfortable cabin. United Airlines, for example, highlights these improvements for their 787 customers.
Technical Specifications: Dimensions, Range, and Speed
Let’s get down to brass tacks and compare the dimensions, range, and speed of these two popular planes.
Dimensions
You’ll notice the difference in cabin width right away. The Boeing 777 has a cabin width of 5.87 meters (19 feet 3 inches), while the Boeing 787’s cabin width is 5.5 meters (18 feet). That extra few inches can make a difference in passenger comfort, especially on long flights.
Operational Range
The Boeing 787 series generally offers a longer range than the 777, especially the 787-9, which can fly up to 14,140 kilometers.
Speed
While both aircraft are designed for long-haul flights, their typical cruising speeds are similar, although the 787 is slightly faster. You probably won’t notice a huge difference in flight time based on speed alone, but every little bit helps, right?
Engine and Performance Differences
Both the Boeing 777 and 787 offer a selection of powerful engines from manufacturers like General Electric, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney. The 777, especially the -300ER and 777X variants, boasts engines with significantly higher thrust capabilities than those on the 787. Think of it like this: the 777 engines are designed for raw power, allowing it to carry heavier loads over longer distances, while the 787’s engines prioritize fuel efficiency.
The 787’s engines incorporate more advanced technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These include features like improved fan blades and advanced materials. The 777, while still efficient, relies on a more established engine technology, focusing on maximizing power and reliability.
Fuel Efficiency and Operational Costs
A key difference between the Boeing 787 and the 777 is fuel consumption. The 777 burns through roughly 6,080 to 7,500 liters of fuel per hour, depending on the specific model. The 787, on the other hand, uses about 4,900 to 5,600 liters per hour.
Looking at fuel consumption per seat gives a clearer picture. A Boeing 777-300ER burns around 2.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers per seat. The 787-10 is considerably more efficient, using only 2.27 liters per 100 kilometers per seat.
The 787 Dreamliner is generally more fuel-efficient, which leads to considerable long-term savings for airlines. This efficiency also means airlines can potentially offer lower fares on long-haul routes, which is a win for passengers, too.
Safety Records and Incidents
When it comes to safety, the 787 appears to have an edge, but it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s newer and hasn’t been in service as long as the 777.
As of August 2022, the 777 had been involved in 31 incidents, including 8 hull losses (where the plane was damaged beyond repair) and 541 fatalities. That works out to an average of 1.25 incidents per year.
By March 2023, the 787 had experienced 7 incidents, with no hull losses and no fatalities. Its average incident rate is about 0.5 per year.
So, while the 787’s safety record looks better on paper, it’s important to remember that the 777 has simply flown more and been around longer.
How much do they cost?
Here are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the different Boeing models we’ve discussed:
- 787-8: $248.3 million
- 787-9: $292.5 million
- 787-10: $338.4 million
- 777-300ER: $375.5 million
As you can see, airlines can save money on the list price when they choose a 787 Dreamliner over a 777.
The market for wide-body aircraft is making a comeback as global travel restrictions continue to ease. However, Boeing has experienced production delays with the 787. So, airlines may face decisions based on aircraft availability as well as price and performance.
Orders and Deliveries
As of July 2023, Boeing has received 2,150 orders for the 777 and delivered 1,713. For the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing has 1,756 orders and has delivered 1,072.
The airlines that have ordered the most 777s are:
- Emirates (255)
- Qatar Airways (159)
- Singapore Airlines (116)
United Airlines has ordered the most 787s, with 171 aircraft on order.
Airline Perspectives and Use Cases
Airlines often prioritize the 777 for routes where they expect to sell a lot of tickets, especially for premium seating. The 787, on the other hand, is often selected because passengers enjoy flying on it. The lower cabin altitude, larger windows, and smoother ride are attractive to travelers.
For example, United Airlines flies all three 787 models, and it uses them on many transatlantic routes. Air India, Saudia, Lufthansa, and United Airlines all have purchased 787s for their fleets.
In Closing
The Boeing 777 and 787 are both wide-body, long-range jet airliners, but they differ in several key ways: The 787 is newer, more fuel-efficient, and built with composite materials, while the 777 offers greater passenger capacity and range.
Ultimately, whether an airline chooses the 777 or 787 depends on its particular needs and priorities. Airlines must weigh factors like passenger volume, how far they need to fly, fuel efficiency targets, and budget limitations.
Regardless of these differences, both aircraft are vital to the global aviation industry, connecting people and places worldwide.