Enhancing the Dreamliner, Part 7: The optimum range for the 787-10

Subscription Required

By Bjorn Fehrm

Introduction  

November 19, 2020, © Leeham News: Last week, we compared the economics of the 787-10 to the 787-9 on the San Francisco to Sydney route.

We could see this 6,500nm route does not suit the 787-10, even though it’s within the aircraft’s range capability. The 787-9 is the better alternative.

We now compare the aircraft on the 4,500nmm San Francisco to Tokyo route, a distance that should suit the 787-10 better.

Summary
  • The 787-10 can fly routes of up to 6,500nm, but its payload capability gets compromised.
  • You can fill the cabin to a reasonable load factor but must leave all cargo behind. In a high yield cargo market, this is not a profitable proposition.
  • When the routes are below 5,000nm, the 787-10 works better. Now the large capacity can be utilized both for passengers and cargo. If it can be filled it's now the lowest cost Dreamliner.

To read the rest of the article Login or Subscribe today.