The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted approval for Boeing’s latest Dreamliner variant, the 787-10, clearing it for commercial service after about 900 hours of flight testing using three aircraft.
Development and certification milestones culminated with an amended type certificate from the FAA, allowing Boeing to begin fulfilling the first customer deliveries. Singapore Airlines is scheduled to receive its initial 787-10 in the first half of 2018, part of a firm order for 50 aircraft.
In total, nine airlines have placed orders for the 787-10, representing more than 170 commitments. Notable customers include Etihad Airways, EVA Air, United Airlines and British Airways. Emirates has announced plans to acquire 40 of the new airplanes.
At the top of the Dreamliner family, the 787-10 is the longest model and is designed to accommodate up to 330 passengers in a typical two-class layout. The type blends the model line’s fuel-efficient systems and composite airframe with increased capacity, targeting airlines seeking higher-density long-haul service.
“We are pleased to have met the rigorous standards set forth by the FAA and are eager to bring the airplane to market for our valued customers,” said Brad Zaback, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s 787 program. He added that years of design work and a structured test program have demonstrated the quality, safety and reliability of the newest member of the Dreamliner family, and that Boeing looks forward to the airplane entering service later this year.
While FAA certification is a major milestone, the 787-10 will still require approvals from other civil aviation authorities worldwide before it can operate in all international markets. Boeing has indicated confidence that the aircraft will receive those clearances without significant difficulty, based on the test results and compliance documentation submitted so far.
The 787-10’s entry into service represents a strategic expansion of Boeing’s long-range, widebody product line, offering airlines the ability to replace older jets with a more efficient solution that maintains passenger comfort. Its larger capacity compared with the 787-8 and 787-9 models offers improved seat-mile economics on high-demand routes, and its composite structure helps reduce fuel burn and maintenance costs.
With airline customers lined up and production ramping, the next phase for Boeing will be coordinating deliveries, crew training and route introductions with launch customers. Early operator experience will provide real-world data on performance, maintenance intervals and operational efficiencies, informing future support and potential incremental improvements.
As the 787-10 moves from certification into revenue service, the aviation industry will be watching how the airplane performs in commercial operations and how quickly delivered units are integrated into carriers’ networks. Successful entry into service could reinforce the Dreamliner family’s role in modernizing long-haul fleets worldwide and influence airline fleet planning for years to come.