The Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are two of the most advanced long-haul aircraft flying today. Built for efficiency, range and passenger comfort, they represent the latest thinking in commercial aviation. Airlines worldwide rely on them for key international routes, and their performance often defines customer experience and operational success.
Recently, attention returned to the Boeing 787 after a fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The incident has brought operational safety and aircraft reliability back into discussion. As investigations continue, comparisons between Boeing and Airbus are again under the spotlight. In this blog, we take a grounded look at how the A350 and 787 stack up across design, engines, fuel economy, comfort and market performance.
Design Philosophy and Airframe
The Boeing 787 was the first commercial aircraft to use composite materials for the majority of its structure. Roughly 50% of the Dreamliner is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. The result? A lighter airframe translates to better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance needs. Boeing focused on reducing weight and improving operating economics, especially for long-haul routes that require reliability and endurance.
Airbus responded with the A350, which also features a high proportion of composite materials, around 53%, but with a different engineering approach. While Boeing adopted a barrel section design for its fuselage, Airbus stuck to panel-based construction. This allowed Airbus to adapt the aircraft to different sizes more easily and ensure uniform stress distribution. The A350’s fuselage is wider, offering more cabin space and flexibility in seating configurations.
Engine Technology
Engines are the core of any aircraft, and here, both manufacturers have turned to trusted partners. The Boeing 787 is powered exclusively by either the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or the General Electric GEnx engines. These engines were designed with low emissions, quiet performance and fuel economy in mind.
Airbus, on the other hand, opted solely for Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines for the A350. The XWB is considered one of the most efficient large aero engines in the world. Its specific fuel consumption is lower than that of previous Rolls-Royce models, and it is tailored to the A350’s aerodynamic profile.
In real-world operations, both engine types have had teething issues. The Trent 1000, for example, saw early reliability problems that led to several groundings and increased maintenance schedules. The Trent XWB has performed better overall, although it, too, has required updates to address blade durability.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
One of the most critical factors for airlines is fuel burn. The Boeing 787-8 has a range of about 13,530 km, while the 787-9 and 787-10 versions offer slightly more capacity at the cost of some range. These aircraft offer up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared to the older aircraft they replaced.
The Airbus A350-900, meanwhile, has a range of roughly 15,000 km. The larger A350-1000 can go up to 16,100 km. The Ultra Long Range (ULR) variant of the A350 is used by Singapore Airlines to fly the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight from Singapore to New York, a testament to its range capabilities.
In terms of fuel economy per seat, both aircraft are close. The outcome depends largely on the airline’s configuration and route structure. However, when range is the deciding factor, the A350 has a clear edge, especially for ultra-long-haul flights.
Cabin Comfort and Passenger Experience
Both manufacturers invested heavily in improving the passenger experience. Boeing’s 787 is known for its larger windows, which are dimmable electronically. The cabin is pressurised at a lower altitude (about 6,000 feet), which reduces fatigue and discomfort on long journeys. The Dreamliner also has improved humidity levels, lighting systems and quieter cabins.
Airbus matched these innovations and added a few of its own. The A350 has wider seats in a standard 9-abreast configuration, compared to the often tighter 9-abreast layout in the 787. The A350’s cabin is also quieter and features advanced air filtration, lighting and humidity control. Its slightly higher ceiling height and wider aisles give it a more spacious feel.
Passenger surveys have shown a slight preference towards the A350 for long-haul comfort, though both aircraft are praised for providing a smoother and more relaxing journey than older jets.
Cockpit and Avionics
From a pilot’s perspective, the Airbus A350 features a full fly-by-wire system and the signature Airbus cockpit layout. It includes six large LCD displays, head-up guidance systems and electronic flight bag compatibility. Airbus cockpits are known for their standardisation across models, making it easier for pilots to transition from one type to another.
The Boeing 787 also has an advanced flight deck with large displays, dual head-up displays and a fly-by-wire system. Boeing’s approach leans towards manual flying experience, giving pilots more tactile feedback. For airlines that operate multiple Boeing aircraft, the commonality helps reduce training costs and increases operational flexibility.
Both cockpits are modern and intuitive, though pilot preferences can vary based on their background and the airline’s operating procedures.
Sales Numbers and Airline Preferences
Boeing launched the 787 earlier, giving it a head start in the market. As of mid-2025, Boeing has delivered over 1,100 Dreamliners, and the aircraft is in service with over 80 airlines. It has become a backbone for carriers like ANA, Qatar Airways and British Airways.
The Airbus A350 entered the market a few years later but has made significant inroads. Over 570 units have been delivered so far, with strong orders from Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Air India. The A350-1000 variant has seen increased popularity among airlines seeking higher capacity without sacrificing range.
With Boeing facing regulatory and production hurdles in recent years, Airbus has gained momentum. However, Boeing’s established relationships and production capacity continue to keep the competition close.
The Concluding Note
The Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are both revolutionary aircraft. While the Boeing 787 brought revolutionary changes to materials and fuel efficiency, the Airbus A350 refined those concepts further with enhanced range, cabin width and engine performance.
There’s no clear winner because the strengths of each aircraft serve different purposes. Airlines pick based on what suits their route network, fleet plans and customer expectations. From the passenger’s point of view, both aircraft have raised the standards of long-haul flying to a new level of comfort and efficiency.
