When Cebu Pacific was looking for a successor for its Airbus A330-300, it evaluated the Airbus A330-900, a variant of the A330neo family, and the Boeing 787-10, a variant of the 787. The Airbus A330-900 was apparently selected, and the low-cost airline placed an order for 16 of aircraft. Some are now wondering why Cebu Pacific chose the A330-900neo over the newer Boeing 787-10. So now, lets talk about the A330-900 vs the Boeing 787-10.
The Boeing 787-10 is a whole new plane, whilst the A330-900 is an improvement to the original A330-300, so why did the latter win? Which is the best option of the two?
Both the Airbus A330-900 and the Boeing 787-10 are twin-aisle, wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul flights. However, both aircraft have distinct characteristics and capabilities.
Comparing both A330-900neo and B787-10
The A330-900 is a member of the A330neo family, which is an upgrade of the popular A330 series, with new engines and aerodynamic improvements for better fuel efficiency. It has a range of up to 7,200 nautical miles and can carry up to 440 passengers.
- Wingspan: 60 meters (197 feet)
- Length: 63 meters (206 feet)
- Height: 17 meters (56 feet)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 251 metric tons
- Maximum range: 7,200 nautical miles
- Seating capacity: 440 passengers (typical two-class configuration)
- Engines: Rolls-Royce Trent 7000
The 787-10, on the other hand, is a member of the 787 Dreamliner family and is the largest variant of the 787. It is made of composite materials for the fuselage and wings, which results in a lighter aircraft and also improved fuel efficiency. It has a range of up to 6,430 nautical miles and can carry up to 440 passengers. The 787-10 also has larger windows, higher humidity, and a lower cabin altitude for a more comfortable passenger experience.
- Wingspan: 60 meters (197 feet)
- Length: 68 meters (223 feet)
- Height: 17 meters (56 feet)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 251 metric tons
- Maximum range: 6,430 nautical miles
- Seating capacity: 440 passengers (typical two-class configuration)
- Engines: General Electric GEnx-1B or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000
It should be noted that some of the aforementioned specs are approximate and may change based on the aircraft’s design and individual variation depending on the customer. Also, cargo, fuel load, and weather conditions can all affect a plane’s range and the number of people it can carry.
The choice between the Airbus A330-900neo and the Boeing 787-10
TAP Air Portugal, Air Europa, Air Asia X, Cebu Pacific, Ethiopian Carriers, and Air Transat are among the airlines that have ordered the Airbus A330-900. The A330-900’s economy and range, which enable it to fly on long-haul routes with a large passenger capacity, are two significant attributes that make it appealing to airlines.
- Cost-effectiveness: The A330-900 is often regarded as more cost-effective than some of its rivals, such as the Boeing 787-10, making it an appealing alternative for airlines seeking low-cost aircraft with a large passenger capacity.
- Range and capacity: The A330-900 is capable of flying long-distance routes and transporting up to 440 people in a normal two-class configuration, allowing airlines to optimize revenue by carrying more passengers each trip. Furthermore, the A330-900 has a range of up to 7,200 nautical miles, allowing it to visit the majority of global locations.
- Reliability: The A330-900 is regarded as a dependable aircraft with a strong record of performance and safety. This is significant for airlines because it has the potential to minimize operational interruptions and expenses.
- Familiarity: Because the A330-900 is an updated version of the successful A330 series, certain airlines and pilots may be acquainted with the previous model. Because the crew is already trained, the move to the A330-900 may be easier.
- Flexibility: The A330-900 may be modified to fit a variety of airlines, including low-cost and legacy carriers, giving it a flexible alternative for airlines.
The Boeing 787-10, on the other hand, has been ordered by a number of carriers globally, including Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and ANA, for a variety of reasons:
- Fuel efficiency: Because the 787-10 is built of composite materials, it is lighter and more fuel-efficient than conventional aircraft, allowing airlines to save money on fuel and minimize their environmental effect.
- Passenger comfort: The 787-10 has bigger windows, greater humidity, and a lower cabin altitude, which may increase passenger comfort and make it more appealing to airlines looking to distinguish themselves.
- Range and capacity: The 787-10 has a range of up to 6,430 nautical miles, allowing it to reach most global locations, and it can carry up to 440 people in a normal two-class configuration, allowing airlines to optimize revenue by transporting more passengers each trip.
- Modern Technology: The 787-10 is outfitted with advanced technology, like as fly-by-wire controls and a digital cockpit, which may increase the aircraft’s performance and safety while also making operation simpler for pilots.
- Future-proofing: As a new-generation aircraft, the 787-10 may assist airlines in modernizing their fleet, making them more competitive and future-proof.
The Airbus A330-900 has a list price of roughly $268 million, whereas the Boeing 787-10 has a list price of around $317.7 million. It should be noted, however, that these costs are subject to change and may not represent the real price that an airline pays for an aircraft, since manufacturers sometimes provide discounts and other incentives to win orders. Furthermore, the cost of an airplane might vary based on variables such as the kind of engines, avionics, and other features chosen by the airline.
Which is then the most cost-effective aircraft?
The Airbus A330-900 is widely seen to be more cost-effective than the Boeing 787-10, making it an attractive alternative for low-cost airlines searching for low-cost aircraft with a large passenger capacity. The A330-900 is capable of flying long-distance routes and carrying up to 440 people in a normal two-class configuration, allowing low-cost carriers to optimize revenue by carrying more passengers each trip. In the case of Cebu Pacific, they were able to stretch this to 459 passengers in a mono-class configuration. Furthermore, the A330-900 has a range of up to 7,200 nautical miles, allowing it to visit the majority of global locations.
The 787-10, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated and costly aircraft that is less cost-effective than the A330-900. Its bigger windows, greater humidity, and lower cabin altitude make it ideal for airlines that value passenger comfort and are prepared to pay a premium for it. The 787-10 has a range of up to 6,430 nautical miles, allowing it to reach most places worldwide.
It should be noted that low-cost airlines have varying demands and preferences, and the choice to acquire an aircraft will be influenced by a variety of variables such as operating expenses, route network, passenger demand, and fleet strategy. Furthermore, the decision may be influenced by the available aircraft on the market as well as the discounts made by manufacturers.
The winner depends on a customer’s requirements, destinations, and so much more.
Both aircraft are popular with airlines and have a good track record of performance and reliability. The choice between the two aircraft would depend on an airline’s specific needs and preferences. The decision will be based on things like operating costs, the number of routes, and the number of people who can ride.
The decision between the A330-900neo and the Boeing 787-10 will be based on the needs of the client. Choosing an aircraft for the fleet is a rigorous procedure, and each airline has its unique set of criteria. More information on how airlines choose their fleet may be found here.
Have you taken the Airbus A330-900neo or the Boeing 787-10? How did you find the experience?
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
