What is the Difference Between Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner?

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The Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are two distinct types of aircraft designed for different purposes. The A380 is a large, four-engine, wide-body aircraft, while the 787 is a twin-engine aircraft made primarily of composite materials. Here are some key differences between the two:

Size and Capacity:

  • The A380 is the largest passenger plane ever built, with a capacity for up to 525 passengers in a standard, three-class configuration.
  • The 787-10, the largest variant of the 787 family, seats 323 passengers in a standard, three-class configuration.

Fuel Efficiency:

  • The 787 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, consuming less than half the fuel per hour compared to the A380.
  • The A380 has a better fuel-per-seat burn ratio, but its large size makes it fuel-thirsty.

Price:

  • The A380 costs around $445.6 million, while the 787-9 variant costs $292.5 million.

Performance:

  • The 787-9 variant has a range of 15,750 km, slightly more than the 15,700 km range of the A380.

Passenger Comfort:

  • The A380 is preferred by passengers for its wider seats, bigger leg space, and lower susceptibility to turbulence.
  • The 787 Dreamliner offers a higher cabin pressure and humidity, mimicking an altitude of 6,000 feet, which helps reduce fatigue and jet lag symptoms.

Market Penetration:

  • The 787 series has a growing market penetration, with around 500 units still to be delivered and new orders arriving.
  • The A380 is out of production and has already begun being retired by some operators.

In summary, airlines prefer the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for its fuel efficiency and lower price, while passengers prefer the Airbus A380 for its size, comfort, and reduced turbulence. However, the 787's modern design and growing market penetration make it a strong contender in the aviation industry.

Comparative Table: Airbus A380 vs Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Here is a comparison table between the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner:

Feature Airbus A380 Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Capacity 525 passengers (standard three-class config) 323 passengers (largest 787-10 variant)
Profitability Harder to make profitable More profitable
Range 8,000 nautical miles 7,635 nautical miles
Engines Trent 972-84/972B-84 or Engine Alliance GP7270 Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx 1-B
Fuel Efficiency Lower fuel efficiency More fuel-efficient
Price $445.6 million $292.5 million
Service Ceiling 43,000 ft 41,000 ft
Windows Smaller windows Larger windows
Comfort Wider seats, bigger leg space, lower turbulence Less space, similar features

The Airbus A380 is larger and can carry more passengers, but it is harder to make profitable compared to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The 787 is more fuel-efficient, has a longer range, and is generally more cost-effective for airlines. Passengers prefer the A380 for its comfort and space, while airlines prefer the 787 for its fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.