777-300ER vs 787-8 Dreamliner
The 777-300ER leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 777-300ER (introduced 2003) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced 2011) 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 777-300ER carries more passengers. undefined
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777-300ER vs 787-8 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 777-300ER delivers 1% more range (777-300ER: 7,370 nm; 787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm).
- The 777-300ER and 787-8 Dreamliner are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 488 kt.
- The 777-300ER delivers 10% more passenger capacity (777-300ER: 396 seats; 787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 2003 for the 777-300ER), a gap of 8 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 777-300ER is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (775,000 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 777-300ER 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 777-300ER leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 787-8 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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777-300ER vs 787-8 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 777-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 777-300ER has the longer published range — 7,370 nm versus 7,305 nm for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Does the 777-300ER or 787-8 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 777-300ER carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 396 seats, compared with 359 on the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Which is newer, the 777-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 2003 for the 777-300ER.
Is the 777-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 777-300ER is the larger aircraft — 775,000 lbs versus 502,500 lbs for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the 777-300ER or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the 777-300ER leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 787-8 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 777-300ER 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.