How Much Does a Boeing 787 Cost?

The cost of a Boeing 787 can vary depending on various factors such as configuration, options, and market conditions. Get insights into the pricing and factors that impact the cost of the Boeing 787.

Tobias Holm

14 Jul 2023

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in the world. It's a true engineering marvel that has revolutionized air travel, and it's no surprise that it comes with a hefty price tag.

But have you ever wondered just how much one of these amazing machines cost? In this comprehensive guide, we'll look at the cost of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and cover the materials, components, manufacturing, and assembly process. We'll also take a look at the various factors that impact the final cost, including labor, research and development, and government regulations.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the inner workings of one of the most complex machines on the planet, this guide will provide you with a fascinating insight into the cost of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

How Much Does a Boeing 787 Cost?

Here are the list prices of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner:

Understanding the Cost Breakdown of the Dreamliner

The cost of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner can vary depending on a number of factors, including the variant and the features that are included. Generally, the cost of a Dreamliner ranges from $206.8 million to $338.4 million, depending on the model and configuration. However, it's important to understand that the cost breakdown of a Dreamliner is complex and multifaceted. In addition, airlines can negotiate considerable discounts with Boeing.

Research and Development Costs

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was a major investment for the Boeing Company, and a significant amount of money was spent on research and development in the early stages of the project. The aircraft was designed to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than previous models, and this required a significant amount of research and development to ensure that the plane was safe and efficient. The research and development costs for the Dreamliner were estimated to be around $32 billion, which is a significant amount of money.

Initial Production Costs

Once the design of the 787 Dreamliner was finalized, the initial production costs began. This included the cost of setting up the manufacturing facilities, purchasing the necessary equipment, and hiring the workforce to build the planes.

Materials and Components Costs

The materials and components that go into building a Boeing 787 Dreamliner are also a significant cost factor. The plane is made up of a variety of materials, including lightweight composites, titanium, and aluminum. These materials are expensive, and the cost of materials alone for a Dreamliner can be in the tens of millions of dollars.

In addition to the materials, there are also a variety of other components that go into building a Dreamliner, including engines, avionics, and landing gear. All of these components are expensive and add to the overall cost of the aircraft.

Labor and Manufacturing Costs

Another major cost factor for the Dreamliner is labor and manufacturing costs. The Dreamliner is a complex and advanced aircraft that requires a highly skilled workforce to build.

Areas of the manufacturing process are also partly automated, which means that there are significant costs associated with the purchase and maintenance of the necessary equipment. In addition, components for the Dreamliner are built in several locations around the world, which adds to the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process.

While Boeing doesn't publish any detailed cost information, the labor costs associated with building a Dreamliner must be considerable. The plane requires a large workforce to build, with thousands of workers involved in the manufacturing process. These workers are highly skilled and specialized, which means that they command higher salaries.

In addition to the direct labor costs, there are also indirect labor costs associated with building the Dreamliner, such as training and benefits.

Maintenance and operating costs

The cost of owning and operating a Dreamliner doesn't end with the purchase price. In fact, the maintenance and operating costs of the plane can be just as significant as the initial cost and the airlines need to plan for that.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a complex aircraft that requires a significant amount of maintenance to keep it in top condition. This includes routine inspections, repairs, spare parts, and upgrades. In addition, the Dreamliner is designed to be highly fuel-efficient, which means that it requires specialized parts and maintenance to ensure that it continues to operate at peak efficiency.

In addition, the Dreamliner is a long-haul plane that requires a significant amount of fuel to operate. This can be a significant expense for airlines that operate Dreamliners on long-haul routes, despite the 787's greater fuel efficiency.

Additional Costs Such As Marketing and Sales

Looking beyond the direct and indirect costs of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, there are also a variety of other expenses that add to the overall cost of the plane.

These include marketing and sales costs, which are necessary to promote the 787 Dreamliner and attract customers. Boeing spends a significant amount of money on marketing and sales efforts, including advertising campaigns, trade shows, and other promotional activities. Since Boeing competes intensely with Airbus which offers similar products, the marketing efforts are likely immense.

Comparing the Cost of a Dreamliner to Other Aircraft

The cost of a Dreamliner is significant, but how does it compare to other aircraft?

Compared to its most direct competitor, the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is slightly cheaper. The Airbus A350 cost between $317 million and $366 million depending on the variant.

AirCanada, Airport KFLL — Photo by Marko Pavlichenko / Unsplash

The best-selling Boeing 737 MAX is a smaller and therefore cheaper aircraft. The 737 MAX comes in at around $99 million to $135 million depending on the variant.

Remember that the real prices that airlines pay vary greatly as negotiations, business relationships, and order size affects the order costs.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in the world, but it comes with a significant price tag.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner typically costs between $206.8 million to $338.4 million, depending on the model and configuration.

The cost of a Dreamliner can vary depending on a number of factors, including research and development costs, initial production costs, materials and components costs, labor and manufacturing costs, and maintenance and operating costs.

In addition to these direct costs, there are also a variety of indirect costs associated with a Dreamliner, including marketing and sales costs. Despite the high cost, the Dreamliner is a true engineering marvel that has revolutionized air travel and will continue to do so for years to come.