Quantcast

Boeing Dreamliner often flies shorter routes despite long-haul capabilities

Boeing Dreamliner often flies shorter routes despite long-haul capabilities
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, initially introduced as the 7E7 in January 2003, was projected to carry between 200 and 250 passengers over distances ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 nautical miles upon its entry into service in 2008. Despite this capability, the aircraft's average stage length has been notably shorter.

According to Cirium data for November schedules, airlines operated Boeing 787 flights with an average stage length of just 2,820 nautical miles. The longest average distance reported by an airline was Qantas at 6,109 nautical miles. Conversely, Shanghai Airlines recorded the shortest at merely 1,367 nautical miles.

Shanghai Airlines scheduled multiple weekly flights using the Boeing 787 within China. One of their briefest routes is from Ningbo Lishe International Airport to Shanghai Pudong International Airport at a distance of only about 80.9 nautical miles.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Japan’s domestic network also contributes to the shorter average stage lengths for the Boeing aircraft. All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines operate numerous domestic flights with the Dreamliner. In November alone, these two carriers scheduled nearly a thousand weekly departures within Japan on this aircraft type.

Globally in November, out of approximately 14,095 total weekly flights utilizing the Boeing 787s:

- Over half were under or around mid-range distances.

- About one-fifth were between zero and two thousand nautical miles.

- A small percentage exceeded six thousand nautical miles.

These figures illustrate that while capable of long-haul journeys—such as Qantas' Perth to London route—the Boeing model frequently services shorter distances due in part to specific operational needs within regional networks like those found in Japan and parts of China.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025