Boeing 787-10 vs 747-8

By: Rocco

Comparing the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner vs the Boeing 747-8? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Jumbo Passenger Jets
Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
ICAO: B78X Status: Active Visit aircraft page
Boeing 747-8
Jumbo Passenger Jets
Boeing 747-8
ICAO: B748 Status: Active Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
B78X
Produced
2015–Present
Price
$338.4 million (2019)
Engine
2 × Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx-1B
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 76,000 lbf · 338 kN -43% (total)
Avionics
Rockwell Collins next generation avionics
Wing tips
Raked wingtips
Seats
440 economy · 290 business
Boeing 747-8
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
B748
Produced
2008–Present
Price
$418.4 million (2019)
Engine
4 × General Electric GEnx 2B67
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 66,500 lbf · 296 kN +75% (total)
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Avionics
Wing tips
Raked wingtips
Seats
467 economy · 600 business · 467 first

Dimensions

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Cabin width
18 ft 0 in 5.49 m 18 ft 0 in 5.49 m -10%
Cabin height
8 ft 2 in 2.50 m 8 ft 2 in 2.50 m +5%
Cabin length
203 ft 5 in 62.00 m 203 ft 5 in 62.00 m -2%
Exterior length
224 ft 1 in 68.30 m 224 ft 1 in 68.30 m -10%
Tail height
55 ft 10 in 17.02 m 55 ft 10 in 17.02 m -13%
Fuselage diameter
18 ft 11 in 5.77 m 18 ft 11 in 5.77 m -11%
Wing span
197 ft 3 in 60.12 m 197 ft 3 in 60.12 m -12%
Baggage volume
624 ft 4 in 190.30 m 624 ft 4 in 190.30 m +18%
Boeing 747-8
Cabin width
20 ft 0 in 6.10 m 20 ft 0 in 6.10 m +11%
Cabin height
7 ft 10 in 2.39 m 7 ft 10 in 2.39 m -4%
Cabin length
207 ft 6 in 63.25 m 207 ft 6 in 63.25 m +2%
Exterior length
250 ft 2 in 76.25 m 250 ft 2 in 76.25 m +12%
Tail height
64 ft 0 in 19.51 m 64 ft 0 in 19.51 m +15%
Fuselage diameter
21 ft 4 in 6.49 m 21 ft 4 in 6.49 m +12%
Wing span
224 ft 5 in 68.40 m 224 ft 5 in 68.40 m +14%
Baggage volume
529 ft 10 in 161.50 m 529 ft 10 in 161.50 m -15%

Weights

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Max payload
126,500 lb 57,500 kg 126,500 lb 57,500 kg -25%
Fuel capacity
33,399 gal 126,429 L 33,399 gal 126,429 L -47%
Max takeoff weight
560,000 lb 254,000 kg 560,000 lb 254,000 kg -43%
Max landing weight
445,000 lb 202,000 kg 445,000 lb 202,000 kg -35%
Boeing 747-8
Max payload
167,500 lb 76,000 kg 167,500 lb 76,000 kg +33%
Fuel capacity
63,034 gal 238,610 L 63,034 gal 238,610 L +89%
Max takeoff weight
987,000 lb 447,500 kg 987,000 lb 447,500 kg +76%
Max landing weight
688,000 lb 312,000 kg 688,000 lb 312,000 kg +55%

Performance

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Max cruise speed
515 kt · 593 mph 954 km/h 515 kt 593 mph 954 km/h -3%
Approach speed
140 kt · 161 mph 259 km/h 140 kt 161 mph 259 km/h -3%
Rate of climb
3,000 ft/min 15 m/s 3,000 ft/min 15 m/s +20%
Range
6,430 nm · 7,400 mi 11,910 km 6,430 nm 7,400 mi 11,910 km -20%
Service ceiling
43,000 ft 13,100 m 43,000 ft 13,100 m 0%
Takeoff distance
9,200 ft 2,800 m 9,200 ft 2,800 m -12%
Landing distance
5,000 ft 1,520 m 5,000 ft 1,520 m -43%
Boeing 747-8
Max cruise speed
533 kt · 613 mph 987 km/h 533 kt 613 mph 987 km/h +3%
Approach speed
145 kt · 167 mph 269 km/h 145 kt 167 mph 269 km/h +4%
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min 13 m/s 2,500 ft/min 13 m/s -17%
Range
8,000 nm · 9,210 mi 14,820 km 8,000 nm 9,210 mi 14,820 km +24%
Service ceiling
43,000 ft 13,100 m 43,000 ft 13,100 m 0%
Takeoff distance
10,500 ft 3,190 m 10,500 ft 3,190 m +14%
Landing distance
8,800 ft 2,680 m 8,800 ft 2,680 m +76%

The Boeing 777 and 747 are the world’s most commonly used commercial airliner models. That means they can often be seen in the skies above us. And this article will stack the Boeing 787 vs 747 against each other and find the winner.

About the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

This is the most advanced aircraft manufactured by Boeing company. It has a seating capacity of 359 to 440 passengers with a two-class configuration and provides excellent comfort.

Why was it developed and built?

Boeing 787 Dreamliner was built as a successor to the famous Boeing 747. It could seat up to 440 passengers in a three-class configuration and had a range of over 6,430 mi. The 747 was very successful, but airlines soon wanted a bigger aircraft that could fly further distances and carry more passengers.

What purpose does it serve?

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner serves several purposes for the airlines that operate it. It is a widebody aircraft capable of carrying more passengers and cargo than its predecessor. It has a long range and can fly impossible routes with other aircraft models.

About the Boeing 747-8

The Boeing 747 is a popular airliner that still dominates the commercial airline industry in many regions. It has a seating capacity of 276 to 467, depending on the configuration. Plus, it is a long-range aircraft capable of flying routes up to 7,730 mi.

Why was it developed and built?

The Boeing 747 was developed and built to answer the airline’s need for larger airliners that could fly further distances. It was a revolutionary aircraft when introduced with its widebody design, two decks, and much larger capacity than any other commercial airliner at the time.

What purpose does it serve?

The Boeing 747 is an ideal airline workhorse due to its large capacity and excellent range. It allows airlines to operate nonstop flights from one continent to another, making it an economical choice for long-distance travel.

How are the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747 different?

Though they may appear similar at first glance, these two planes are pretty different. Let’s get a closer look at how the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747 differ:

Size Matters

One of the most immediately striking differences between the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Boeing 747 is size. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a widebody plane, while the Boeing 747 is a jumbo jet.

This means the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can seat more passengers (359-440, depending on the configuration) than the Boeing 747 (276-416, depending on the configuration).

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner also has a wider cabin than the Boeing 747, which provides increased elbow room and legroom for passengers. In short, if you’re looking for a spacious flight, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is your best bet.

Fuel Efficiency Favors the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was designed with fuel efficiency in mind, so it uses less fuel than its predecessor. This difference in fuel usage results in significant cost savings for airlines operating 787s.

Not only does this make flights on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner cheaper for passengers, but it also makes them more eco-friendly. If you want to minimize your carbon footprint, flying on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a great way to do it.

The range is Key for Long-Haul Flights.

Another critical difference between these two aircraft models is range. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a range of 11,910 km, while the Boeing 747 has a range of 14,320 miles.

So, if you’re looking to travel long distances without stopping, you’ll want to fly on a Boeing 747. On the other hand, if your travel plans are a bit more modest, you’ll be fine flying on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

How are the Boeing 787 and Boeing 747 similar?

Despite their differences, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747 have some things in common.

  • Both planes are widebody aircraft carrying many passengers and cargo, with a two-deck configuration.
  • Both planes are equipped with advanced technology that provides improved safety levels, such as GPS navigation systems, terrain-avoidance systems, and advanced autopilot systems.
  • Additionally, both planes are powered by four turbofan engines and can fly on long-haul routes.
  • Finally, both planes have been certified by the FAA and are considered reliable aircraft by airlines.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747 are excellent aircraft with many similarities and differences.

What’s better about the Boeing 787?

There are plenty of reasons to love the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

  • For starters, it’s one of the most reliable planes in the sky, with a strong safety record. It’s also extremely comfortable, with spacious seats and ample legroom.
  • And thanks to its widebody design, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a generous luggage capacity, making it ideal for long-haul flights.
  • But what sets the Boeing 787 Dreamliner apart is its range. With a maximum range of nearly 11,000 miles, the 787 can fly nonstop!

So whether you’re looking for reliability, comfort, or range, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has you covered.

What’s better about the Boeing 747?

The Boeing 747 is a large-capacity, widebody jetliner. It was the first “jumbo jet,” revolutionizing air travel with its larger passenger capacity and faster travel times.

  • Today, the Boeing 747 is still one of the most famous aircraft for long-distance travel and continues to be updated with new technology.
  • One of the most notable features of the Boeing 747 is its distinctive shape. The upper deck is more expansive than the main deck, giving the aircraft a unique profile.
  • The Boeing 747 also has a large tail fin, which helps to stabilize the aircraft at high speeds. In addition to its size and shape, the Boeing 747 is also known for its four engines.
  • This configuration provides extra power and safety, allowing the aircraft to take off and land on shorter runways.

The Boeing 747 is an iconic aircraft and remains one of the most popular options for long-distance travel. Thanks to its size, speed, and range, the Boeing 747 is a favorite among passengers and airlines alike.

Conclusion

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 747 are two very different aircraft models that each offer unique benefits to flyers. Think about them in terms of size and capacity, fuel efficiency, comfort, range, and reliability when deciding the winner. Finally, remember that the best aircraft depends on what you want in terms of features and performance.