A330-900neo vs 787-8 Dreamliner
The 787-8 Dreamliner leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A330-900neo (introduced 2018) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced 2011) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the A330-900neo carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A330-900neo vs 787-8 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 1% more range (A330-900neo: 7,200 nm; 787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 0% more cruise speed (A330-900neo: 487 kt; 787-8 Dreamliner: 488 kt).
- The A330-900neo delivers 23% more passenger capacity (A330-900neo: 440 seats; 787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats).
- The A330-900neo is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2011 for the 787-8 Dreamliner), a gap of 7 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A330-900neo is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (553,800 lbs versus 502,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the A330-900neo seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 787-8 Dreamliner when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the A330-900neo when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 787-8 Dreamliner holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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A330-900neo vs 787-8 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A330-900neo or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 7,305 nm versus 7,200 nm for the A330-900neo.
Does the A330-900neo or 787-8 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The A330-900neo carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 359 on the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Which is faster, the A330-900neo or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 487 kt for the A330-900neo.
Which is newer, the A330-900neo or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The A330-900neo is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2011 for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Is the A330-900neo or the 787-8 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A330-900neo is the larger aircraft — 553,800 lbs versus 502,500 lbs for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the A330-900neo or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
Choose the 787-8 Dreamliner when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the A330-900neo when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 787-8 Dreamliner holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the A330-900neo vs 787-8 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.