Comparing Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 Economics

AirInsight analyzed Department of Transportation data on airline operations and airline economics to enable comparison of the economics of various aircraft. We utilize the T-2 database for traffic and capacity statistics by aircraft and the Form 41 air carrier financial segment for cost data. Unfortunately, airlines don’t always play by the rules in submitting data to the DOT. We have discovered discrepancies with Delta and Hawaiian Airlines. The DOT is aware and working to fix these items. Nonetheless, this remains the best public dataset for US carrier economics, and despite known issues, and use it for comparative analysis. For the 787 models, we relied on data from American and United for the 787-8, American, Hawaiian, and United for the 787-9, United for the 787-10, and Delta for the A330-900 and A350-900. Unfortunately, since Delta is the only major US operator of the A330-900 and A350, the data errors pointed out earlier remain. With Delta reporting average maintenance costs for all of its aircraft, the expectation of lower maintenance for more recent models and higher costs for the older 767 and A330 models in its fleet, that may result in an overstatement of costs for the two Airbus aircraft. Cost per Seat Mile The following table shows cost per available seat mile by aircraft type for the post-pandemic period from 2022-2025. [caption id="attachment_108452" align="aligncenter" width="640"] AirInsight Analysis[/caption] In early 2025, the 787-10 had the best seat-mile costs, followed closely by the A350-900 and A330-900. The early 787-8 models had the highest seat-mile costs, likely reflecting a high percentage of premium seats on the smallest 787 model. Cost per Aircraft Mile Examining costs per aircraft mile, we find the A330-900 leading the way, with the 787-10 closely behind it. We can see the lower range A330-900, with smaller fuel tanks and lighter weight, to beat its sister A350XWB. But the larger 787-10 beating the smaller 787-9 and 787-8 in cost per aircraft mile is counterintuitive, as larger models typically have higher weights and better seat-mile costs, but higher aircraft mile costs. The cost per aircraft mile are shown in the following table: [caption id="attachment_108453" align="aligncenter" width="640"] AirInsight Analysis[/caption] The overall results, by aircraft type, are shown in the following chart. The size of the bubbles are proportionate to the number of flights during the period. The results, unfortunately, appear counterintuitive and cannot be easily explained. The 787-9 and -10 are newer than the 787-8, which may have an impact on maintenance costs. Nonetheless, we cannot rationally explain the cost differences by aircraft type and are simply reporting the results. [caption id="attachment_108454" align="aligncenter" width="640"] AirInsight[/caption] The Bottom Line The 787-10 shows exceptionally low aircraft mile costs for an aircraft of its size, particularly that its aircraft mile costs are lower than its smaller -9 and -8 counterparts. We also must question whether known biases in data from Delta Airlines prevent a fair comparison between Airbus and Boeing. As a result, we are showing the data reported, understanding that bias may be present, and questioning the results. The DOT clearly needs to pay more attention to data reported that are incorrect and take actions to correct known flaws in its database.

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