Airbus A350 vs Boeing 787 Dreamliner: The Wide-Body Race
Sergei Filippov · CEO, Wingform
The Composite Revolutionaries
The A350 and 787 are the first wide-body aircraft where most of the structure is made from carbon fiber composites. This means larger windows, higher cabin pressure, and less passenger fatigue.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | A350-900 | 787-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 15,000 km | 14,140 km |
| Passengers | 300–440 | 296–420 |
| Cabin width | 5.61 m | 5.49 m |
| Windows | Traditional shades | Electrochromic dimming |
| Cabin pressure | equiv. 1,830 m | equiv. 1,830 m |
Economy Class Comfort
A350 — 12 cm wider, allowing airlines to install wider seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Quieter cabin thanks to the newer Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
787 — famous electrochromic windows that dim at the push of a button instead of using shades. Looks futuristic, but some passengers complain that even maximum tinting doesn't fully block light. On the upside, the windows are 65% larger than standard.
Humidity and Pressure
Both aircraft maintain cabin pressure equivalent to 1,830 m altitude (vs. 2,400 m on aluminum jets). This means less fatigue, better sleep, and food that actually tastes good.
Cabin humidity: the 787 maintains about 25% (vs. 5–10% on older aircraft). The A350 is similar. You'll arrive less dehydrated.
For Airlines
The 787 came first and captured the market: over 1,000 deliveries. The A350 is catching up — around 600 deliveries. Boeing wins on versatility: from the compact 787-8 to the stretched 787-10. Airbus answers with the A350-1000 — a direct competitor to the Boeing 777.
Which Should You Choose?
If you see both on the schedule — go for the A350: it's quieter and slightly roomier. But the 787 is also an excellent choice, especially on overnight flights — the electrochromic windows set the mood.
Both aircraft are the best thing you can fly in economy class today.
