The Airbus A350-900 and the Boeing 787-9 are both highly capable and advanced widebody aircraft, each with their own strengths.
The A350-900 has a slightly larger passenger capacity, seating up to 350 passengers in a typical 3-class configuration compared to the 787-9’s 290 passengers.
The A350 also has a longer range of up to 8,100 nautical miles versus the 787-9’s 7,530 nautical miles. Additionally, the A350 features a more advanced composite airframe and uses Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines which are considered slightly more fuel efficient than the 787-9’s General Electric GEnx engines.
However, the 787-9 has a slightly smaller and more efficient airframe which contributes to lower operating costs. It also has a slightly faster cruise speed of Mach 0.85 compared to the A350’s Mach 0.85.
The 787’s cabin features larger windows and higher cabin pressurization for improved passenger comfort.
Ultimately, both aircraft are excellent options for long-haul operations, with the A350 offering slightly greater capacity and range, while the 787 has a slight edge in operating efficiency. The choice between the two would depend on the specific route, passenger demand, and airline preferences.
Passenger Capacity
- The A350-900 has a typical 3-class capacity of 325-350 passengers, whereas the 787-9 can accommodate 280-290 passengers.
- This gives the A350 an advantage for high-density routes where more passenger volume is needed.
Range
- The A350-900 has a maximum range of 8,100 nautical miles (nm), compared to 7,530 nm for the 787-9.
- This extra range capability allows the A350 to serve ultra-long-haul routes that the 787 may struggle with.
Fuel Efficiency
- Both aircraft utilize advanced composite materials and aerodynamics to achieve excellent fuel efficiency.
- The A350 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which are considered slightly more fuel-efficient than the 787’s General Electric GEnx engines.
- On a per-seat basis, the A350 has a small edge in fuel economy.
Cabin Comfort
- The 787 cabin features larger windows, higher cabin pressurization, and lower cabin altitude, which enhances passenger comfort.
- The A350 cabin also has good natural light and pressurization, but the 787 is considered slightly more passenger-friendly.
Operational Costs
- The 787’s lighter airframe and engines contribute to lower trip and maintenance costs compared to the A350.
- This gives the 787 a slight advantage for airlines focused on operational efficiency.
Airframe & Composites
- The A350 has a more advanced composite airframe, with 53% of the structure made from composites compared to 50% on the 787.
- This contributes to the A350’s slightly lower operating empty weight and better fuel efficiency.
Engines
- The A350 is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which are considered the most efficient engines on any widebody aircraft.
- The 787 uses General Electric GEnx engines, which are also highly fuel-efficient but slightly behind the Trent XWB.
Aerodynamics
- Both aircraft feature extensive use of aerodynamic innovations like raked wingtips, scimitar-shaped winglets, and smooth fuselage designs.
- However, the A350’s wing design is considered slightly more optimized for long-haul efficiency.
Cockpit & Avionics
- The A350 features the most advanced glass cockpit of any Airbus aircraft, with large touchscreen displays.
- The 787 also has a highly capable glass cockpit, but some argue the A350’s is slightly more intuitive.
Maintenance
- The A350 has a more modular design which simplifies maintenance and reduces downtime.
- The 787 has a slightly more complex systems architecture which can make some maintenance tasks more involved.
Cargo Capacity
- The A350 offers slightly more cargo volume in the lower hold compared to the 787.
- This can be an important consideration for freight-focused routes.
The A350 offers greater capacity and range, while the 787 has a slight edge in fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The choice between the two will depend on an airline’s specific route network, passenger demographics, and overall business priorities. Both are excellent, modern widebody options.
