What Is The Best Selling Widebody Of All Time?

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is the world’s best-selling widebody passenger jet, thanks to its extended range, outstanding fuel economy, and flexibility to perform short or long-haul flights economically. The 787 uses less fuel than preceding jets in Boeing’s lineup because of weight savings from composite aerostructures and an array of cutting-edge technologies.

The Dreamliner can fly longer routes or perform high-density shorter legs with equally high operational efficiency, giving airlines access to new markets. Its spacious, ergonomically minded cabin was made to make flying more enjoyable for everyone aboard. More than 2,600 orders have been placed for the 787 family by more than 89 carriers.

Boeing’s Star Widebody In 2025

The 787 Dreamliner fleet, consisting of over 1,175 airplanes, has surpassed 1 billion passengers in less than 14 years since its inception. The fleet has flown nearly 5 million flights and covered over 30 million flight hours. The 787 Dreamliner operates across 85+ countries and 520+ airports, with 425+ new nonstop routes never served before.

For context, the Boeing 777 series has sold around 2,000 aircraft since it entered service, and the Airbus A330 has sold more than 1,500 jets as well. However, those two widebodies predate the 787 by decades. Scott Stocker, Boeing 787 program vice president and general manager, said in April 2025:

“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.”

Several innovative technologies are incorporated into the 787 Dreamliner series beyond just operating costs and performance. The Dreamliner’s acoustically modified aerodynamic surfaces make it quieter for residents around airports, and its noise footprint is up to 60% lower than that of the aircraft it replaces. This, along with its extended range, reduced ground service needs, and low cost per hour, has all contributed to its ever-increasing popularity.

Selling 787s Like Hotcakes

In May 2025, Qatar Airways made the largest widebody order in the carrier’s history with firm orders for 130 787 and 30 777X aircraft along with options for 50, with a potential total of 210 Boeing widebodies. Despite tariff battles happening in political channels, Boeing is also currently in negotiations to sell 50 Dreamliners to Chinese airlines.

On the other hand, in the wake of the Air India 787 crash, Boeing did not sell many aircraft at the 2025 Paris Air Show, with just 23 new orders coming from All Nippon Airways (ANA). That hasn’t stopped the Dreamliner from being an exceptionally high-performing platform in the Boeing portfolio. Below is a snapshot of the orders and deliveries of the Dreamliner series since its introduction in 2011, with a highlight on 2025 numbers:

The largest operator of Boeing 787 Dreamliners is ANA, with a cadre of 86 in its 240-aircraft-strong fleet. The fleet includes 34 787-8s, 44 -9s, and 8 -10s, according to Planespotters.net public data. The operator of the largest airliner fleet in world, United Airlines, was previously the largest 787 operator before being surpassed by ANA, with 77 in its possession. American Airlines is the third largest operator with 65 Dreamliners in its fleet of 995 jetliners.

Dreamliner By The Numbers

The 787 has lower operating expenses and maintenance downtime than legacy Boeing airframes like the 767 or 777. The 787 family is 25% more fuel-efficient than its predecessors, thanks to the General Electric GEnx and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines as well as composite materials and redesigned aerodynamics. The composites used to build the Dreamliner were stress tested to 3.75 times the durability limits expected in the service life and found no signs of breakdown.

The 787 Dreamliner’s cutting-edge flight deck strikes a mix between modern conveniences and the newest innovations. Significant similarities with existing Boeing aircraft are preserved while new technology is included. Efficient Mixed Fleet Flying is made possible by faster transition times from other Boeing family members to the 787 ,thanks to familiar Boeing controls, displays, and procedures.

The highest-cycle 787 in service has accumulated about 16,500 flight cycles since 2012, and Boeing estimates the average 787 performs 600 flight cycles per year. On average, each 787 is in the air for over 12 hours per day, showcasing strong global demand and reliability. The longest nonstop route currently flown by the global fleet is 9,000 mi (14,485 km) from London to Perth by Qantas, while the shortest is 70 mi (113 km) from Aruba to Curacao by TUI.

Clean Sheet Design For The 787

The Boeing 787 is a brand-new airplane that was created from the ground up using cutting-edge materials and technology. The wide use of composites, new wingtips, and cutting-edge passenger cabin features are all hallmarks of the series. The Dreamliner was created to meet specific market demands and include a myriad of new features. The 787 was even built with the largest overhead bins of any widebody jet on the market to accommodate a wide range of luggage for the convenience of travelers.

The largest windows on any commercial jet, a vaulted ceiling, and a wide, inviting entry all contribute to the 787 cabin’s great appeal to operators and flyers alike. Passengers can even dim the windows at the push of a button, allowing them to enjoy the view outside whenever they want or keep the cabin dark when they want. More lighting options than ever before are available to create a calming atmosphere with modern, adaptable LED lighting.

Improvements to the cabin’s altitude, humidity, and air quality provide the best possible outcome, enabling travelers to arrive feeling better rested. Employing creative solutions across the aircraft offers passengers a quieter and calmer flying experience. Innovative turbulence sensors that Boeing has developed combat the disruption and create a more comfortable flying experience.

Trade Wars & Dreamliner Deliveries

Boeing’s Dreamliner deliveries and sales have been greatly damaged by the US-China trade conflict. In retaliation for US taxes on Chinese imports, China has stopped or postponed deliveries of new Boeing aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner. Airlines now have to pay more as a result, which makes it unfeasible for Chinese airlines to accept Boeing orders.

China’s indigenous aircraft maker, COMAC, and Boeing’s primary rival, Airbus, have the chance to obtain a competitive edge in the Chinese market as a result of the trade tensions. Because of the improved stability of economic relations with Europe, Chinese airlines have begun placing orders with Airbus rather than Boeing.

Boeing has been compelled to broaden its clientele by transferring aircraft that were initially meant for Chinese consumers to other airlines operating in other areas, including the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Production and delivery of aircraft models like the Dreamliner may be further disrupted by the tariffs, which have also raised questions about the supply chain for aviation parts.

Stunning Success Amidst Struggle

Amid an extraordinary crisis with the 737 MAX and 777X projects in recent years, Boeing has relied on the Dreamliner to help stabilize its finances and image. In the face of severe scrutiny and difficulties, it has offered financial stability and a dependable product for airlines.

During these difficult times, the 787 has been a vital source of income and cash flow, helping to somewhat offset the financial burden from its other initiatives. The 787 has continued to deliver to clients in spite of its own production problems, bringing in much-needed revenue. It has bolstered market and customer trust by proving that Boeing is still capable of producing and delivering top-notch aircraft.

The 787 has also provided a competitive advantage against Airbus, as it has helped Boeing maintain a presence in the profitable widebody market. Large orders for the 787 from major international carriers have balanced out competition. A sustainable product lifespan was even taken into account when designing and building the 787. A net-zero emission manufacturing facility in South Carolina built the aircraft, and when the 787’s useful life comes to an end, some of the materials used to build it can be recycled.