By Bjorn Fehrm

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Introduction

May 24, 2018, © Leeham News: Boeing’s 787-9 has won some important fights against the Airbus A330neo. After Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines and a possible loss at United, one asks: Is the A330-900 not competitive against a 787-9? The aircraft are similar in size and use the same engines.

We take a deeper look at the A330-900 compared with the 787-9 to understand what’s behind this trend.

Summary:

• The A330-900 and 787-9 are virtually identical in size.
• They are also aerodynamically closely matched.
• Their primary difference is the method of construction, with the Carbon Fiber structure of the 787 giving a lower empty weight.