767-300ER vs 787-8 Dreamliner
The 787-8 Dreamliner leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 767-300ER (introduced 1988) 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 range, where the 787-8 Dreamliner has the advantage. undefined
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767-300ER vs 787-8 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 14% more range (767-300ER: 6,385 nm; 787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 6% more cruise speed (767-300ER: 459 kt; 787-8 Dreamliner: 488 kt).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 2% more passenger capacity (767-300ER: 351 seats; 787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER), a gap of 23 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (502,500 lbs versus 412,775 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 787-8 Dreamliner 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 787-8 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 767-300ER 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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767-300ER vs 787-8 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 767-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 7,305 nm versus 6,385 nm for the 767-300ER.
Does the 767-300ER or 787-8 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 787-8 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 359 seats, compared with 351 on the 767-300ER.
Which is faster, the 767-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 459 kt for the 767-300ER.
Which is newer, the 767-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER.
Is the 767-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 787-8 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft — 502,500 lbs versus 412,775 lbs for the 767-300ER.
Should I buy the 767-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the 787-8 Dreamliner leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 767-300ER 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 767-300ER 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.