Boeing 787 Prices: Don't Let Headlines Fool You
The price of new Boeing 787 aircraft can vary greatly from the listed price to the actual transaction value. According to recent deals, the International Airlines Group cited a $397 million list price for each Boeing 787-10, but Philippine Airlines secured 15 aircraft in a deal estimated at about $3.4 billion after discounts, equivalent to roughly $227 million per aircraft.
Airline orders can have significant negotiating power, especially when ordering dozens of aircraft. The published list prices used by manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus are not fixed retail prices but rather reference points for negotiations.
The actual value of an aircraft is determined behind closed doors through complex negotiations between the manufacturer and the airline. Recent valuations show that a new Boeing 787-9 was worth around $160 million in the first quarter of 2026, while the larger 787-10 was valued at approximately $168 million.
The difference between listed prices and actual transaction values can be substantial, highlighting the importance of understanding real market values. Airlines must navigate complex negotiations to secure favorable deals, taking into account factors like order size, delivery positions, aircraft availability, and manufacturer sales strategy.