Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner Closes Gap with Airbus A350 on Long-Haul Routes

The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner has made significant strides in recent years to compete with the Airbus A350 on long-haul routes. According to a certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2026, the maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) for the 787-9 and 787-10 were increased to 259.2 tons and 260.4 tons respectively, giving them additional range of about 310 nautical miles (575 km) and 430 nautical miles (796 km), respectively.

The increase in MTOW has made the 787-10 a more viable option for airlines operating long-haul routes with high payload requirements. The aircraft can now carry more passengers than the A350-900 while burning less fuel, making it an attractive choice for carriers like EVA Air and Air New Zealand.

Additionally, the increased range of the 787-10 has made it a strong contender to replace older widebody aircraft on transatlantic routes. American Airlines is currently shopping for new widebodies to replace its 777-200ER fleet, and the 787-10 is an excellent pick for this role.