Boeing 787 Dreamliner plays key role in long-haul air travel

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jan 14, 2025

In the first half of 2025, Boeing 787 Dreamliners will operate a significant portion of the world's long-haul flights. According to data from Cirium Diio and OAG, these aircraft—specifically the -8, -9, and -10 variants—will account for a quarter of such services globally. The Boeing 787-9 is notably the second most-used aircraft for long-haul flights, trailing only behind the 777-300ER.

The longest one-stop Boeing 787 flight by distance is Air China's route from Beijing Capital to São Paulo via Madrid. This service caters to the large Chinese community in Brazil's largest city. However, when considering all types of aircraft, this route ranks as the third-longest one-stop operation worldwide.

Singapore Airlines currently holds the title for the longest one-stop flight with its route from Singapore to Houston Intercontinental via Manchester on a 777-300ER. However, this service will end in March. Following its conclusion, Aircalin's new Nouméa to Paris CDG route via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi using an A330neo will take over as the longest.

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Other notable routes include Qantas' Sydney to Paris CDG via Perth and British Airways' London Heathrow to Sydney via Singapore. These flights highlight how various airlines utilize their fleets for extensive global connections.

Air China's Beijing to São Paulo service initially began in 2006 using different aircraft before transitioning entirely to Boeing 787s in 2018. After a pause due to the pandemic, it resumed operations in April 2024 with increased frequency compared to previous years.

This flight departs from China three times weekly and offers a rare daytime service from South America to Europe. Including ground time in Madrid for refueling and other necessary activities, it takes just over 25 hours for passengers to reach Brazil.