A350 vs 787 Dreamliner: which is best?

Arequipa

Hi! I have been reading up about these 2 fantastic aircraft. Both offer extended range, fuel efficiency, increased passenger comforts etc..

But which do you think is the better aircraft;


1) from the passengers viewpoint

2) from a pilots viewpoint

3) from the airline's viewpoint?

Thanks a mil!

a

Dublinflyer

Almost impossible to answer a question like that. As with everything there are good and bad points with both of them and it depends on how the airlines use them. The airline will want an efficient aircraft that suits the routs they are on. Fuel efficiently is one of the biggest concerns. Maintenance and training on type will be up there as well, along with a hundred other factors. A pilot wants an aircraft that utilizes all the automation that's available but still allows you to feel how the aircraft is operating. And lets face it that most passengers want a cheap ticket and are not too concerned by the type of aircraft, unless they are aviation fans or very frequent flyers.

Arequipa

yea, they seem like very similar aircraft..
I imagine airlines that already have an airbus fleet, will go for the a350 to replace the a330; will be cheaper and easier in terms of pilot training, maintenance etc...

I wonder will the a350 have as rocky a start as the 787, with all those battery fires!!

afatbollix

Sure the A350 hasn't had a paying passenger on it yet so the 787 is the best, As you can go buy a seat on it right now.


Sorry but ask in a couple of years when the A350 is in service.

Jack1985

Isn't the A350 on course for maiden flight in late 2014 and passenger service entry early 2015?

Larry Wildman

Did the 787 have battery issues or am I imagining that?

Peregrine

Jack1985 wrote: »

Isn't the A350 on course for maiden flight in late 2014 and passenger service entry early 2015?

Tenger

Larry Wildman wrote: »

Did the 787 have battery issues or am I imagining that?

That's a wild rumour (am looking for work with Boeing PR!!!!)

Jack1985 wrote: »

Isn't the A350 on course for maiden flight in late 2014 and passenger service entry early 2015?

First flight was last summer. A350 already has 4 Aircraft working hard on the certification. Plan is for a test fleet of 6, which is more than any previous design. So a very fast moving testing phase. First delivery planned for Qatar in late 2014.

A350 had a generous margin of error built into the design/certification and production schedule. Partly due to the issues with B787 but mostly due to the Airbus experience with the A380. Last year Airbus also announced that they will not utilise Li-On batteries on their aircraft until the technology is more mature. While this will slightly increase the weight it decrease's the risk. In the future they can include these batteries as a minor redesign.


As above both aircraft have pro's and con's for airlines:
Seat capacity, compatibility with planned cabin config, actual fuel burn, optimal range vs planned airline network, Flight crew training costs, maintenance costs, fleet commonality, delivery availability, leasing costs over the life of the aircraft, engine types and their associated costs,

Pilot wise....I think the Boeing seats look more comfy!!
Both aircraft are highly automated. The accessibility and visual displays will make a big difference in day to day usage for flight crew. I suppose it depends on the pilots training background and previous aircraft flown. The HUD on the B787 may be great for some, others may find it to be gimmicky. Airbus are designed the flight training of the A350 to be "intuitive"...Im not really sure what that means however.

As for passengers it will be interesting to see in 3-5 years time when we have some airlines with both in service. Then we will see if the pax experience varies from B787 to A350. (ie Ethiad or Qatar)

Arequipa

Thanks for the replies..
You are right; it is difficult to compare both aircraft as the A350 isnt in service yet.. But i suppose they both have published specs...

I have to admit, they are both beautiful looking aircraft!!

billie1b

Tenger wrote: »

Pilot wise....I think the Boeing seats look more comfy!!

Correct, the pilot seats in the 787 are extremely comfortable, its like you sink into it and it fits to your shape. I'd say long haul wouldn't feel so long in it

Tenger

Arequipa wrote: »

Thanks for the replies..

I have to admit, they are both beautiful looking aircraft!!

Personally I think the A350-900 looks better...lovely ratio of length to height.
The B787-9 however could look similar, the current -8 model looks a little stubby (inside it is very spacious)