787 carries its billionth passenger
May 1, 2025
On 30 April, Boeing announced that that the global 787 fleet of more than 1,175 aircraft has flown nearly 5 million flights, and noted that it is now flying more than 480,000 passengers on 2,100 flights each day.
The shortest nonstop route flown by the 787 is the 65 nm hop from Aruba to Curaçao, flown by TUI, and the longest nonstop route is flown by Qantas, who use a 787 to serve the 7,829 nm route from London to Perth.
The 787 has opened more than 425 new, nonstop routes from more than 520 airports across more than 85 countries, and has clocked up more than 30 million flying hours. In doing so, the 787 Dreamliner fleet has reached the milestone of carrying 1 billion passengers faster than any wide-bodied commercial airliner in history, accomplishing the feat in less than 14 years since entering service.
On average, each 787 built is in the air for more than 12 hours per day, and Boeing has received more than 2,000 orders from some 89 customers, showcasing strong global demand for the type and demonstrating its reliability. The Boeing 787 family is 25% more fuel efficient than the airliners it replaces, thanks in large part to new engines, an expanded use of lightweight composite materials, more efficient systems applications and modern aerodynamics.
Scott Stocker, Boeing 787 programme vice president and general manager said that: “This milestone would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of our customers in operating the 787, and we are incredibly grateful for each of them. The 787 Dreamliner family was designed to connect people and places like never before. Flying over 1 billion passengers in this relatively short time is a testament to how the airplane has delivered on its promises to transform air travel with operational versatility, efficiency and comfort. This achievement reflects the dedication, talent and innovation of the teammates and partners who have brought the 787 family to life. To every operator flying the 787 and every one of the 1 billion passengers who have flown on a Dreamliner, thank you.”
