Boeing 787-10 vs Airbus A380-800

By: Rocco

Comparing the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner vs the Airbus A380-800? 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
Airbus A380-800
Jumbo Passenger Jets
Airbus A380-800
ICAO: A380 Status: Inactive 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 -53% (total)
Avionics
Rockwell Collins next generation avionics
Wing tips
Raked wingtips
Seats
440 economy · 290 business
Airbus A380-800
Manufacturer
Airbus
ICAO code
A380
Produced
2007–Present
Price
$445.6 million (2018)
Engine
4 × Engine Alliance GP7270 / Rolls-Royce Trent 900
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 81,500 lbf · 363 kN +114% (total)
Avionics
Thales Rockwell Honeywell Combo
Wing tips
Wingtip fences
Seats
853 economy · 480 business · 416 first

Dimensions

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Cabin width
18 ft 0 in 5.49 m 18 ft 0 in 5.49 m -17%
Cabin height
8 ft 2 in 2.50 m 8 ft 2 in 2.50 m -17%
Cabin length
203 ft 5 in 62.00 m 203 ft 5 in 62.00 m +22%
Exterior length
224 ft 1 in 68.30 m 224 ft 1 in 68.30 m -6%
Tail height
55 ft 10 in 17.02 m 55 ft 10 in 17.02 m -30%
Fuselage diameter
18 ft 11 in 5.77 m 18 ft 11 in 5.77 m -19%
Wing span
197 ft 3 in 60.12 m 197 ft 3 in 60.12 m -25%
Baggage volume
624 ft 4 in 190.30 m 624 ft 4 in 190.30 m +0%
Airbus A380-800
Cabin width
21 ft 7 in 6.58 m 21 ft 7 in 6.58 m +20%
Cabin height
9 ft 10 in 3.00 m 9 ft 10 in 3.00 m +20%
Cabin length
166 ft 3 in 50.68 m 166 ft 3 in 50.68 m -18%
Exterior length
238 ft 7 in 72.73 m 238 ft 7 in 72.73 m +6%
Tail height
79 ft 8 in 24.27 m 79 ft 8 in 24.27 m +43%
Fuselage diameter
23 ft 5 in 7.14 m 23 ft 5 in 7.14 m +24%
Wing span
261 ft 10 in 79.81 m 261 ft 10 in 79.81 m +33%
Baggage volume
623 ft 4 in 190.00 m 623 ft 4 in 190.00 m 0%

Weights

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Max payload
126,500 lb 57,500 kg 126,500 lb 57,500 kg -34%
Fuel capacity
33,399 gal 126,429 L 33,399 gal 126,429 L -61%
Max takeoff weight
560,000 lb 254,000 kg 560,000 lb 254,000 kg -56%
Max landing weight
445,000 lb 202,000 kg 445,000 lb 202,000 kg -49%
Airbus A380-800
Max payload
192,000 lb 87,000 kg 192,000 lb 87,000 kg +52%
Fuel capacity
85,472 gal 323,547 L 85,472 gal 323,547 L +156%
Max takeoff weight
1,268,000 lb 575,000 kg 1,268,000 lb 575,000 kg +126%
Max landing weight
871,000 lb 395,000 kg 871,000 lb 395,000 kg +96%

Performance

Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
Max cruise speed
515 kt · 593 mph 954 km/h 515 kt 593 mph 954 km/h -12%
Approach speed
140 kt · 161 mph 259 km/h 140 kt 161 mph 259 km/h +4%
Rate of climb
3,000 ft/min 15 m/s 3,000 ft/min 15 m/s +100%
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 +2%
Landing distance
5,000 ft 1,520 m 5,000 ft 1,520 m 0%
Airbus A380-800
Max cruise speed
587 kt · 676 mph 1,087 km/h 587 kt 676 mph 1,087 km/h +14%
Approach speed
135 kt · 155 mph 250 km/h 135 kt 155 mph 250 km/h -4%
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min 8 m/s 1,500 ft/min 8 m/s -50%
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
9,000 ft 2,750 m 9,000 ft 2,750 m -2%
Landing distance
5,000 ft 1,520 m 5,000 ft 1,520 m +0%

Two giants in commercial aviation reign supreme: the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A380. But, 787 vs A380, which one is better? It’s a tough question, as both planes have unique advantages. Let’s stack them up against each other.

About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a state-of-the-art aircraft that offers passengers a unique and unparalleled flying experience.

With its advanced composite materials and cutting-edge technology, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the sky’s most fuel-efficient and comfortable planes. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing plane.

Why was it developed and built?

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was developed and built to meet the needs of today’s modern traveler. Its composite materials and advanced design make it more fuel-efficient than traditional aluminum airframes.

Its cabin is designed to provide passengers with improved comfort and a better in-flight experience. With its long-range capabilities, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can fly further and faster than its predecessors.

What purpose does it serve?

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, widebody aircraft that offers increased efficiency to airlines. It can fly farther and faster than traditional aircraft while providing passengers with improved comfort and a better in-flight experience.

It is designed to serve medium-to long-haul routes, allowing airlines to expand their networks and offer more destinations to passengers.

About the Airbus A380

The Airbus A380 is an iconic double-decker jumbo jet that revolutionized air travel. It’s the largest commercial aircraft ever built and is capable of carrying a massive amount of passengers and cargo. Here’s everything you need to know about this fantastic plane.

Why was it developed and built?

The Airbus A380 was designed to meet the needs of the most demanding passengers. Its size and capacity allow airlines to offer more seating and cargo space, while its advanced design allows for reduced fuel consumption and noise pollution.

Its unique double-decker configuration provides enhanced cabin space and comfort, allowing passengers to enjoy a luxurious in-flight experience.

What purpose does it serve?

The Airbus A380 is designed to serve long-haul routes, allowing airlines to offer more flights and destinations to passengers. It can also be used for cargo operations, as its unique double-decker configuration provides space for freight.

How are the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 different?

It’s the Battle of the Titans! In one corner, we have the lightweight, long-range Boeing 787 Dreamliner. And in the other corner, we have the behemoth Airbus A380. Both aircraft are impressive in their own right, but which one comes out on top? Let’s find out.

Size Matters

You first need to know that the Airbus A380 is significantly larger than the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It’s not just that it’s longer and has a wider wingspan – it also has a much higher capacity. The Airbus A380 can seat 555 and 853 passengers, while the Boeing 787 Dreamliner only seats 242 and 330.

Range

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a range of 7,635 nautical miles, while the Airbus A380 has 8,000 nautical miles. This means the Boeing 787 Dreamliner can fly further on a single fuel tank than its larger rival.

Engines

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx 1-B engines, while the Airbus A380 is powered by Trent 972-84/972B-84 or Engine Alliance GP7270 engines.

Efficiency

For efficiency, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the clear winner. Its advanced design and composite materials make it more fuel-efficient and quieter than the Airbus A380.

Service Ceiling

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a service ceiling of 41,000 ft, while the Airbus A380 can fly up to 43000 ft. This means the Airbus A380 is slightly better than its larger rival.

Overall, both aircraft are impressive in their own right and offer great benefits to airlines.

How are the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 similar?

Both planes have their fans, but what do they have in common? Let’s take a closer look:

  • The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 have long-range capabilities, allowing airlines to expand their networks and offer more destinations.
  • Both have double-decker configurations, providing passengers with enhanced cabin space and comfort.
  • They both utilize advanced aerodynamic designs to reduce noise pollution.
  • Both aircraft have advanced engines that enhance fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Finally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 are both highly reliable, allowing passengers to travel confidently.

What’s better about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?

Here are a few reasons why the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a good place for traveling.

It’s More Roomier Than Other Planes

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was designed with passenger comfort in mind. The cabin includes large windows, higher ceilings, and a lower-deck galley that frees up space on the main passenger deck. This results in a more spacious feel that makes long flights more bearable.

The Dreamliner Is More Fuel-Efficient Than Other Planes

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is more fuel-efficient than other planes thanks to its use of composite materials, which are lighter than metal but just as strong. In addition, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is equipped with more fuel-efficient engines.

Great Reliability

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a superior reliability record thanks to its use of cutting-edge technology. For example, the plane’s electrical system is much simpler than those used on other planes, which reduces the chances of problems during flight.

What’s better about the Airbus A380?

The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest commercial airliner and is nothing short of a marvel of engineering. And while some may argue that bigger isn’t always better, the Airbus A380’s size is a major asset in air travel.

More Space, More Comfort

Its immense size can accommodate more passengers and cargo than any other plane. And for passengers, that means more legroom, wider seats, and improved overall comfort.

Better Fuel Efficiency

The Airbus A380 is not only the largest commercial airliner; it’s also one of the most fuel-efficient. Thanks to its massive size and four engines, the Airbus A380 can fly farther on less fuel than any other plane in its class. That means less fuel consumption and lower emissions—good news for the environment and your wallet.

Quieter Than Other Planes

The Airbus A380 is also one of the quietest planes in operation today. That’s because its four engines produce less noise than smaller planes with two or three engines. So if you’re looking for a peaceful flight, the Airbus A380 is your best bet.

Conclusion

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380 are today’s most popular airliners. Both aircraft offer unique advantages, so it’s up to airlines to decide which one best meets their needs.

Both planes offer something for everyone, from superior fuel efficiency and spacious cabins to improved reliability and quieter operation.