A318 vs 787-10 Dreamliner
The 787-10 Dreamliner leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A318 (introduced 2003) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-10 Dreamliner (introduced 2018) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 787-10 Dreamliner carries more passengers. undefined
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A318 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 107% more range (A318: 3,100 nm; 787-10 Dreamliner: 6,430 nm).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 9% more cruise speed (A318: 447 kt; 787-10 Dreamliner: 488 kt).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 233% more passenger capacity (A318: 132 seats; 787-10 Dreamliner: 440 seats).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2003 for the A318), a gap of 15 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 787-10 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (560,000 lbs versus 149,900 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the stronger fit for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes — its 6,430 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The A318, at 3,100 nm, is better matched to transcontinental missions, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the A318's range, the 787-10 Dreamliner's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 787-10 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A318 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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A318 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A318 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 6,430 nm versus 3,100 nm for the A318.
Does the A318 or 787-10 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 787-10 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 132 on the A318.
Which is faster, the A318 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 447 kt for the A318.
Which is newer, the A318 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2003 for the A318.
Is the A318 or the 787-10 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 787-10 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft — 560,000 lbs versus 149,900 lbs for the A318.
Should I buy the A318 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the 787-10 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A318 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the A318 vs 787-10 Dreamliner?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.