A350-900 vs 787-10 Dreamliner
The A350-900 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A350-900 (introduced 2015) 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 range, where the A350-900 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A350-900 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The A350-900 delivers 26% more range (A350-900: 8,100 nm; 787-10 Dreamliner: 6,430 nm).
- The A350-900 delivers 7% more cruise speed (A350-900: 521 kt; 787-10 Dreamliner: 488 kt).
- The A350-900 and 787-10 Dreamliner are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 440 seats.
- The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2015 for the A350-900), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A350-900 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (617,295 lbs versus 560,000 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 A350-900 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?
On published specifications the A350-900 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 787-10 Dreamliner 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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A350-900 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A350-900 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The A350-900 has the longer published range — 8,100 nm versus 6,430 nm for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Which is faster, the A350-900 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The A350-900 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 488 kt for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Which is newer, the A350-900 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2015 for the A350-900.
Is the A350-900 or the 787-10 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A350-900 is the larger aircraft — 617,295 lbs versus 560,000 lbs for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the A350-900 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the A350-900 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 787-10 Dreamliner 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 A350-900 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.