787-10 Dreamliner vs MD-11
787-10 Dreamliner and MD-11 are closely matched, each topping 2 of 7 metrics.
The Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-10 Dreamliner (introduced 2018) and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
787-10 Dreamliner vs MD-11: the key differences
- The MD-11 delivers 6% more range (787-10 Dreamliner: 6,430 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 3% more cruise speed (787-10 Dreamliner: 488 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 7% more passenger capacity (787-10 Dreamliner: 440 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 28 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The MD-11 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (630,500 lbs versus 560,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 787-10 Dreamliner runs 2 engines against 3 on the MD-11 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
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 787-10 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?
Choose the MD-11 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 787-10 Dreamliner when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 787-10 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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787-10 Dreamliner vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 787-10 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The MD-11 has the longer published range — 6,840 nm versus 6,430 nm for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Does the 787-10 Dreamliner or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The 787-10 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 410 on the MD-11.
Which is faster, the 787-10 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-10 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the 787-10 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the 787-10 Dreamliner or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD-11 is the larger aircraft — 630,500 lbs versus 560,000 lbs for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the 787-10 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
Choose the MD-11 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 787-10 Dreamliner when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 787-10 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 787-10 Dreamliner vs MD-11?
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.