787-9 Dreamliner vs MD-11
The 787-9 Dreamliner leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-9 Dreamliner (introduced 2014) 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 range, where the 787-9 Dreamliner has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
787-9 Dreamliner vs MD-11: the key differences
- The 787-9 Dreamliner delivers 12% more range (787-9 Dreamliner: 7,635 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The 787-9 Dreamliner delivers 3% more cruise speed (787-9 Dreamliner: 488 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The 787-9 Dreamliner delivers 2% more passenger capacity (787-9 Dreamliner: 420 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The 787-9 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2014 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 24 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 557,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 787-9 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 787-9 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 MD-11 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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787-9 Dreamliner vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 787-9 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-9 Dreamliner has the longer published range — 7,635 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the 787-9 Dreamliner or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The 787-9 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 420 seats, compared with 410 on the MD-11.
Which is faster, the 787-9 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-9 Dreamliner cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the 787-9 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
The 787-9 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2014 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the 787-9 Dreamliner or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD-11 is the larger aircraft — 630,500 lbs versus 557,000 lbs for the 787-9 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the 787-9 Dreamliner or the MD-11?
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 MD-11 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 787-9 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.