787-8 Dreamliner vs 787-9 Dreamliner
The 787-9 Dreamliner leads, topping 2 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced 2011) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-9 Dreamliner (introduced 2014) 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 787-9 Dreamliner carries more passengers. 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.
787-8 Dreamliner vs 787-9 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The 787-9 Dreamliner delivers 5% more range (787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm; 787-9 Dreamliner: 7,635 nm).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner and 787-9 Dreamliner are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 488 kt.
- The 787-9 Dreamliner delivers 17% more passenger capacity (787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats; 787-9 Dreamliner: 420 seats).
- The 787-9 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 2011 for the 787-8 Dreamliner), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 787-9 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (557,000 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 787-9 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 787-9 Dreamliner 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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787-8 Dreamliner vs 787-9 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 787-8 Dreamliner or the 787-9 Dreamliner?
The 787-9 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 7,635 nm versus 7,305 nm for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Does the 787-8 Dreamliner or 787-9 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 787-9 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 420 seats, compared with 359 on the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Which is newer, the 787-8 Dreamliner or the 787-9 Dreamliner?
The 787-9 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 2011 for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Is the 787-8 Dreamliner or the 787-9 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 787-9 Dreamliner is the larger aircraft — 557,000 lbs versus 502,500 lbs for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the 787-8 Dreamliner or the 787-9 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the 787-9 Dreamliner 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 787-8 Dreamliner vs 787-9 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.