787-8 Dreamliner vs MD-11
787-8 Dreamliner and MD-11 are closely matched, each topping 2 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced 2011) against the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) 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 MD-11 carries more passengers. undefined
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787-8 Dreamliner vs MD-11: the key differences
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 7% more range (787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner delivers 3% more cruise speed (787-8 Dreamliner: 488 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The MD-11 delivers 14% more passenger capacity (787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 21 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 502,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 787-8 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 MD-11 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 787-8 Dreamliner when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD-11 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 787-8 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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787-8 Dreamliner vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 787-8 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-8 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 7,305 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the 787-8 Dreamliner or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The MD-11 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 410 seats, compared with 359 on the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Which is faster, the 787-8 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-8 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the 787-8 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the 787-8 Dreamliner or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD-11 is the larger aircraft — 630,500 lbs versus 502,500 lbs for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the 787-8 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
Choose the 787-8 Dreamliner when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD-11 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 787-8 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 787-8 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.