Sylvie Willis
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size, twin-engine jet airliner that is claimed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 767. The aircraft's fuel capacity varies depending on the variant. For instance, the 787-9 has a maximum fuel capacity of 126,372 litres, while the B787-8 can fly further than some of its rivals. The B787-10, on the other hand, has a range of 11,910 km. The 787 Dreamliner's fuel efficiency is attributed to its composite structure, advanced systems, and extensive wind tunnel testing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | 20% more fuel-efficient than the 767 |
| Fuel Capacity | 126,372 litres |
| Number of Passengers | 200 to 335 |
| Range | 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi) |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight | 254,000 kg |
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What You'll Learn
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner's fuel capacity is 126,372 litres
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner. It is Boeing's most fuel-efficient airliner, designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 767. The aircraft's distinguishing features include mostly electrical flight systems, swept wingtips, and noise-reducing chevrons on its engine nacelles. The 787 Dreamliner's fuel capacity is 126,372 litres.
The 787 was designed to be the first production airliner with a fuselage comprising one-piece composite barrel sections instead of the multiple aluminium sheets and fasteners used on existing aircraft. The extensive use of composite materials in the construction of its airframe contributes to its fuel efficiency.
The lighter and robust composite structure of the 787 enables airlines to reduce fuel use by up to 25% compared to older aircraft. The increased fuel efficiency of the 787 has unlocked more than 425 new non-stop routes worldwide, improving the air travel experience for passengers.
The 787 Dreamliner can carry 242 to 335 passengers in a typical 3-class seating configuration. The initial 186-foot-long (57 m) 787-8 variant typically seats 248 passengers and has a range of 7,305 nautical miles (13,529 km; 8,406 mi).
The fuel capacity of the 787 Dreamliner, at 126,372 litres, contributes to its long-range capabilities and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for airlines operating long-haul routes.
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It is 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 767
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner. It is Boeing's most fuel-efficient airliner, approximately 20% more fuel-efficient than the 767, which it was designed to replace. This increase in fuel efficiency is due to several factors. Firstly, the 787 is the first production airliner with a fuselage comprising one-piece composite barrel sections instead of multiple aluminium sheets and fasteners used in existing aircraft. This use of composite materials as the primary material in the construction of its airframe accounts for approximately 40% of the efficiency gain. The remaining 60% of the efficiency gain is due to aerodynamic improvements, increased use of lightweight composite materials, and advanced systems.
The 787's distinguishing features include mostly electrical flight systems, swept wingtips, and noise-reducing chevrons on its engine nacelles. The use of electrical systems in the 787 is much greater than in previous Boeing aircraft. The 787 is powered by two new engine types: the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and the General Electric GEnx high-bypass turbofans. These engines are quieter and more efficient than those used in the 767.
The 787's fuel efficiency has been measured in various ways. One common metric for measuring fuel efficiency is fuel burn per seat-mile. While this metric can be deceptive, as adding more seats can increase "efficiency", it is still the metric generally used by airlines. Another way to measure fuel efficiency is to calculate the useful energy out divided by the total energy in. However, jet engines are rated by thrust rather than fuel efficiency, so this calculation may not be as meaningful.
The actual fuel efficiency of the 787 has been analysed by several airlines. Data from All Nippon Airways (ANA) suggests that the 787 surpassed the promised 20% fuel burn reduction compared to the 767. After six months of service, ANA reported that the 787's efficiency levels were slightly above the 20% savings originally expected. On international flights, ANA reported a 21% lower fuel burn compared to the 767-300ER, and on domestic routes, the saving was between 15-20%. However, one source indicates that Air India has not been able to achieve even a 15% fuel efficiency improvement on their 787 Dreamliners.
Despite the 787's impressive fuel efficiency, it falls short when compared to other super-economic options on the market. For example, the Airbus A350-1000 has a significantly longer range than the 787-10, which may lead airlines to choose the Airbus over Boeing. However, on a per-seat basis, the 787-10 is the most fuel-efficient of the larger wide-body planes. Overall, the 787's 20% increase in fuel efficiency compared to the 767 is a significant improvement that has been achieved through various design and engineering advancements.
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The 787-9 has a maximum range of 14,140km
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner. It is the company's most fuel-efficient airliner, designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 767. The 787-9 variant of the Dreamliner has a maximum range of 14,140 km. This is a result of its fuel capacity of 126,372 litres.
The 787-9 can carry a maximum of 420 passengers. Its maximum take-off weight is 254,000 kg. The 787-9 is slightly faster than the Airbus A350, which has a maximum range of 15,000 km. Despite having a shorter range, the 787-9 has identical cargo capacity and cruise speed to the A350.
The 787 Dreamliner is the first production airliner with a fuselage comprising one-piece composite barrel sections. This replaces the multiple aluminium sheets and fasteners used on previous aircraft models. The use of composite materials in the 787's construction saves weight and improves fuel efficiency.
The 787-9 is powered by either Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx engines. These engines, along with aerodynamic improvements, account for approximately 40% of the aircraft's efficiency gains over the 767. The extensive use of composite materials in the airframe and advanced electrical systems make up the remaining 60%.
The 787 Dreamliner has been a successful program for Boeing, carrying more than one billion passengers in less than 14 years. The aircraft has enabled over 425 new non-stop routes worldwide.
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The B787-8 can fly further than some rivals
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner. It was designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 767, which it was intended to replace. The 787 has a range of 7,305-8,500 nautical miles (13,529-15,700 km) and can carry 200-335 passengers. The B787-8, in particular, has a maximum range of 7,305 nautical miles (13,529 km) and can carry a maximum of 406 passengers.
The B787-8's range exceeds that of some of its rivals, including larger aircraft like the 787-9 and the Airbus A350. For example, the 787-9 has a maximum range of 14,140 km, while the A350 can fly up to 15,000 km. However, the B787-8 achieves this range at the cost of passenger and cargo capacity. The 787-9, for instance, can carry up to 420 passengers, while the B787-8 maxes out at 406.
The B787-8's superior range can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the 787 was designed to be the first production airliner with a fuselage comprising one-piece composite barrel sections instead of multiple aluminum sheets. This construction method reduces weight and improves fuel efficiency. The B787-8's frame is made of nearly 50% carbon fibre and other composite materials, offering significant weight-saving advantages over aluminium designs.
Additionally, the 787 features new Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, which contribute to its improved fuel efficiency. The use of advanced systems and aerodynamic improvements also plays a role in reducing fuel burn. These factors enable the 787 to unlock new non-stop routes that were not previously possible.
Overall, the B787-8's ability to fly further than some rivals is a result of its efficient design, advanced engines, and lightweight composite structure. These features not only reduce fuel consumption but also expand the aircraft's operational capabilities, making it a competitive option for airlines seeking long-range performance.
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The 787 has unlocked over 425 new non-stop routes
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner. It was designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the Boeing 767, which it was intended to replace. The 787 achieves greater fuel efficiency through the use of composite materials as the primary material in the construction of its airframe, extensive wind tunnel testing, and advanced electrical systems. This lightweight composite structure enables airlines to reduce fuel use by up to 25% compared to older aircraft.
The 787's fuel efficiency has unlocked over 425 new non-stop routes worldwide, many of which had never been served before. The aircraft can carry 200 to 300 passengers on point-to-point routes up to 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km; 9,800 mi). This extended range capability has enabled airlines to operate direct flights between cities that previously required connections, improving the travel experience for passengers and reducing the number of flights required.
The 787-8, the smallest variant of the 787, has a maximum range of 7,305 nautical miles (13,529 km; 8,406 mi) and can seat up to 248 passengers. The 787-9, a larger version, has a maximum range of 14,140 km and can accommodate up to 420 passengers. The exact fuel capacity of the 787-9 is 126,372 litres, which is less than its competitor, the Airbus A350.
The 787's fuel efficiency not only reduces fuel consumption and costs for airlines but also contributes to sustainability and environmental goals. Virgin Atlantic, for example, used a B787 to become the first commercial airliner to fly transatlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Boeing's focus on sustainability is further demonstrated by their upcoming 777X series, which is highly anticipated in the aviation industry.
The combination of fuel efficiency, range, and passenger capacity has made the 787 a popular choice for airlines, with over 2,000 orders received as of June 2025. The aircraft has carried more than one billion passengers in less than 14 years, faster than any other wide-body jet in aviation history. The 787's industry-leading technology has significantly improved the air travel experience and created new opportunities for airlines and passengers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel capacity of the Boeing 787 depends on the variant. The 787-9 has a maximum fuel capacity of 126,372 litres, while the 787-10 has a range of 11,910 km, which would require a greater fuel capacity. The 787 was designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than the 767.
The fuel capacity of the 787-9 is less than that of its Airbus equivalent, the A350, which has a maximum fuel capacity of 166,488 litres. However, the 787-9 has a higher fuel efficiency per aircraft mile.
The number of passengers that the Boeing 787 can carry depends on the variant and the seating configuration. The 787-8 can carry 242 passengers in a standard two-class layout or up to 406 passengers in a high-density configuration. The 787-9 can carry a maximum of 420 passengers, while the 787-10 has a maximum passenger capacity of 440.
