The Boeing 787-10: Is Range Really An Issue?

On March 29, 2018, the website and media outlet Skift put out an article titled “Boeing’s Newest Dreamliner Is More of a Regional Aircraft Than Its Predecessors.” The article asserts that its range - which is lower than its 787-8 and -9 siblings - will limit it to more regional flying. But, nearly 7 years later, has this been the case? Is Boeing’s 787-10 Dreamliner more of a regional aircraft?

In this video, we take a look at the 787-10’s characteristics, as well as how airlines are specifically using this higher-capacity Dreamliner, examining some of the longest routes that the jet is being deployed on.

Our Social Media:
Our Website

[Assailantsify]

I’ve frequently been on the ORD-HND-ORD route. Usually, going to HND, there’s no issues getting on the flight (on standby), but on the way home United will weight-restrict the flight to get more cargo on. Makes sense now, knowing it’s the longest route and near the top end of its service range.

[usakousa]

ANA is using 787-10 on domestic routes, JAL only 787-8 and -9. But then again, JAL flies A350-900 on domestic routes too, the demand must be very big.

[DanielWW]

In case of KLM, well that is kinda their speciality. But it does show that the 787-10 has sufficient range even for an airline like KLM with its network.
Nearly a decade ago, KLM actually switched six of its 787-9 orders for 787-10. And since then, KLM only ordered 787-10. Total fleet will be 13x 787-9 and 15x 787-10.

But the interesting part is that for the 777-200ER and 777-300ER replacement, KLM opted for the A350-900 and A350-1000. So they still need more range for their really long range destinations. Even 787-9 didn't cut it for that and KLM seemed to have been done waiting for the 777X.

[josephaskins]

I guess I can say Ive flown on the longest 787-10 route for December 2024, there was a full flight of 318 pax on the ORD-HND flight on that particular day, it seemed like there was a full load of cargo, though of course I cant be certain. Its interesting to note that United has more Pax on its 787-10s than Delta does on the similarly sized A350-900s, 318 vs 306. Personally, given its size I do think that long term this will be a factor on -10 sales figures, losing out to the aforementioned A350-900. As for the airlines currently operating or that have ordered the type? I dont think the current range is as big an issue for them, even Qantas has chosen to bring the type on despite their rather notorious, continued clamour for increased range on aircraft due to their geographic position. So if nothing else, the capacity and not insignificant range is definitely enticing some customers, and Boeing will eventually bring out a second generation of 787 variants that will likely include a -9 and -10 HGW variants, likely notated as ER, though when that will be remains to be seen.

[Sacto]

The range of 6, 000 nautical miles in most customer configurations for the 787-10 means the plane can cover the vast majority of long routes with no issues. In fact, it's right at the limit of a route like SFO-HKG. I do think Boeing is working on a 787-10ER variant with a range of around 7, 050 nautical miles, and that could make it a perfect 777-200ER replacement; airlines like United and British Airways would buy at least 25 planes each to replace their aging 777-200ER fleets.

[okay_then]

I’m suprised that more Middle East and European airlines aren’t lining up for the 787-10. It seems like a perfect fit for most of them since they can get to most of their destinations from their hubs with very good fuel consumption.

[rileygale_]

B787-10 is often compared with B777-200 or 300(Non ER). I think that makes where this aircraft is located in market. Also retirement of classic B777 series is around the corner, which makes B787-10 more efficient than its predecessor.

[jamesau]

It was just for some airlines who wanna replace 777-200 but don't want to start another set of crew just for A350-900

[jziliamon]

I think had Boeing designed wings and bigger fuel tanks for the -10, it would be appealing for customers. Boeing ended up using the same wings that are used on the -8 and -9

[cabottaxi]

I'm due to fly on a long haul Turkish 787 soon and glad to see its the 789 variant returning on a Turkish 359.

[medviation]

If Boeing increases the range and MTOW of the 787-10, the A350-900 will still do a better job. I think Boeing should just stick to what the 787-10 does best: TATL and Intra-Asia people mover for up to 10-hour flight lengths. If Boeing wants to do improvements to the -10, I think they should increase the exit limit closer to 500 so that becomes a low-cost-long-haul gamechanger. It has the cabin floor area to fit all those seats in maximum density. Perhaps even lower deck lavs, since it has so much cargo volume for such low MTOW.

[sugboskyaviation]

The 787-10 is sort of an A330-300 and 777-300 (regular variant) replacement, for carriers who want a regional/medium-haul. Singapore Airlines, Eva Air (future), ANA use this concept.

[gang]

The ER version, with redesigned wings would do wonders for the -10, but I'm afraid it might be a little too late. Like, where are the orders going to come from that'd make that type of investment worth it?
An ER would also require new engines. I haven't done the calc, but the ones used right now max at 81, 000 and the -10 is already using 76, 000. With an increased weight from bigger wings and fuel, probably reinforced gears, etc the plane is going to need more, around the 90, 000's ballpark.

[Wheninflight]

I think the -10ER would be a great investment for Boeing. It could allow the -10ER to more adequately replace the 777-200ER’s based off capacity & range (also allowing for more orders), allowing airlines like EVA and United to stretch out their route network further.

[guidowinter]

Due to the airspace restrictions in Russia KLM AMS-TPE service is not executed by 787-10 anymore. The longer route is about 11500km and up to 16:30h westbound. KLM uses 787-9 or 777-200

[Kevin-slyw]

With reference to the beginning of the video, I think it's because back then launch customer Singapore Airlines uses the B78X for regional routes (with regional 2 class cabin) for flights up to 8 hours. SQ also uses some of its A359s in a regional configuration but with less economy seats. B78X is preferred for it's lighter weight compared to the A359 and therefore lower fuel burn. Both jets replace the A333s which were all retired during the pandemic.

[dennisthebrony]

I think the 787-10 is more of a 777-200 (NON ER) replacement than the 777-200ER. But, I heard about Boeing trying to improve the -10 with a HGW version

[KS-xemi]

787-10 is suitable to fly Japanese carrier's short-haul widebody domestic flights(<1hour), the flights usually have full payload every time, ANA have a 430 seats version of 78X and 515 seats 777-300 for just domestic service

[dotcomsunny]

If 10 had same range as 9 it would have been game changer,

[yosmch]

Quite some inaccuraties in this video. KLM does not deploy the 787-10 on routes to TPE and GIG on a regular, only LAX sees regular KLM 787-10 service out of the mentioned routes. KLM operates a combination of 787-9 and 777-200ER to both TPE and GIG (Source: Flightradar24, KLM807 & KLM705). So this video does not provide a proper depiction of the usage of the 787-10. KLM actually uses their 787-10 predomanitely on routes like AMS-JFK / AMS-ORD / AMS-YYZ / AMS-DXB which are all around 7000km - 8000km route distance.