Boeing revealed more information about the 787 Dreamliner increased gross weight aircraft (IGW).
This is an upgrade that will make it possible to increase the payload capacity and range of the 787-9 and 787-10 variants. For that reason, it should represent an attractive option for operators looking to optimise their performance.
See also: Boeing prepares new version of 787 Dreamliner family
Boeing 787 Dreamliner IGW: improved performance and benefits for operators
As reported by The Air Current, the American aerospace manufacturer first announced its intention to Air New Zealand and Qantas in 2019. The New Zealand carrier had been in talks with Boeing about a possible higher maximum take-off weight (MTOW) version of the 787-10, which would allow it to operate without cargo and passenger restrictions on its Oceania to North America routes.
The company formally confirmed its plan in January 2022. At the time, Stan Deal, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in an interview with The Seattle Times that they were working on an increased gross weight version of the 787-10, the largest variant of the family.
Darren Hulst, Boeing’s VP of Marketing, said in recent days that the company plans to add 4.6 metric tons of capacity on the 787-9 and 6.4 metric tons on the 787-10. This would increase the maximum take-off weight of the 787-10 by 12.000 pounds (5.443 kilograms).
Although the modification will not include increased fuel capacity, it will allow for increased range. The 787-9 range will increase by 310 nautical miles (575 kilometres), while the 787-10 range will increase by 430 nautical miles (796 kilometres).
The IGW version of the 787-10 would allow several airlines operating transpacific flights to replace their older Boeing 777s. In that sense, it would offer an alternative for carriers such as Air Canada, United Airlines or Korean Air.
For other operators, it would allow them to increase capacity and reduce restrictions on key routes involving airports with Hot & High conditions.
However, it is not yet known when the first aircraft with these features might be introduced. According to The Air Current, development work is largely complete and could be on aircraft assembly lines “soon”.
See also: Boeing increases production rate of the 787 Dreamliner
Boeing is preparing to update its assembly lines for this modification
Lane Ballard, VP and General Manager of Boeing’s South Carolina facility, explained that secondary upgrade work must be done, as the modification will only impact a few sections, such as the landing gear.
Despite the challenges currently facing production of the model, Boeing could offer a solution to some of its customers’ needs and revitalise the 787 Dreamliner programme. It would also allow it to strengthen its position in competition with Airbus, its main rival.
In 2022, the European manufacturer made structural improvements to the A350, a direct competitor to the 787 Dreamliner. As a result of the work, the weight was reduced and the maximum take-off weight was increased. Now, both variants of the model offer better conditions at airports where performance could be affected by high temperatures or high altitude above sea level.
