The cost of a Boeing 787 varies by model, configuration, and option packages, with primary drivers including list price, engine selection, and interior customization. Buyers should expect a broad range that reflects aircraft size, readiness for service, and post-delivery commitments. This article presents cost, price, and budgeting guidance in USD to help buyers form a credible estimate.
Cost and price are driven by model differences, customization, and long-term ownership considerations. The following sections break down total project costs, per-unit estimates, and common price drivers for airline operators, leasing firms, and mixed fleets.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft (list price basis) | $240,000,000 | $290,000,000 | $340,000,000 | 787-8 vs 787-9 vs 787-10; varies by option level |
| Engine options | $0 | $0 | $0 | Factory engines often included in list price; future maintenance separate |
| Delivery/processing fees | $0 | $5,000,000 | $7,500,000 | Typical carrier-specific charges |
| Training & simulators | $2,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $6,000,000 | Pilot and maintenance crew training |
| Spare parts & initial inventory | $1,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $6,000,000 | First-year stock and logistics |
| Paint & interior customization | $2,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $10,000,000 | Business-class layouts, livery, branding |
| Permits, regulatory costs | $0 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | Certification era, route-specific approvals |
| Warranty, maintenance reserves | $1,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $8,000,000 | Long-term upkeep funding |
| Taxes & import duties | $0 | $1,500,000 | $4,000,000 | Jurisdiction-dependent |
| Contingency (budget reserve) | $5,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $30,000,000 | Risk and unexpected costs |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
The total project cost typically spans from roughly $255 million to $380 million per aircraft, depending on model and customization. For budgeting, buyers often refer to per-unit ranges like $240–$340 million list-price equivalents, plus a variable mix of delivery charges, training, spares, and regulatory costs. The most significant drivers are the model choice (787-8, -9, -10) and interior configuration. Delivery timing and regional tax treatment can modify the headline cost by several million dollars.
Cost Breakdown
The cost breakdown below uses a table format to illustrate major cost groups and the likely range for each. The table shows totals and representative per-unit ranges when applicable.
| cost category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft price (list price proxy) | $240,000,000 | $290,000,000 | $340,000,000 | Model-dependent |
| Delivery fees | $0 | $5,000,000 | $7,500,000 | Carrier charges |
| Training (crew & maintenance) | $2,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $6,000,000 | Estimated for 2–3 crews |
| Spare parts & initial inventory | $1,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $6,000,000 | First-year stock |
| Interior customization | $2,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $10,000,000 | Seats, cabins, branding |
| Permits & regulatory | $0 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | Certification costs |
| Warranty & maintenance reserves | $1,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $8,000,000 | Long-term upkeep |
| Taxes & duties | $0 | $1,500,000 | $4,000,000 | Region-dependent |
| Contingency | $5,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $30,000,000 | Budget reserve |
| Assorted | $0 | $0 | $0 | Other minor fees |
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Factors That Affect Price
Model choice, interior configuration, and powerplant selection are the primary price levers. The 787-8 typically commands a lower baseline than the 787-9 or 787-10 due to fuselage length and capacity. Engine options and increase in range/payload alter the total cost and long-term operating expenses. Regulatory requirements, country of delivery, and custom livery or mission-specific equipment can add several million dollars. Indoor cabin layout, premium seating, and in-flight entertainment systems are frequent sources of variance.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to taxes, duties, and exchange rates. In urban import hubs, delivery and certification can exceed rural equivalents, while regional incentives may offset costs in certain markets. Three illustrative snapshots:
- Coastal metropolitan markets: higher upfront fees and stronger demand can push down certain discounts but raise delivery costs by 1–3%.
- Midwestern hubs (suburban): often near the average, with moderate tax exposure and favorable financing terms.
- Rural/remote bases: higher transportation and regulatory coordination costs, potentially offset by lower taxes or regional incentives.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards show how pricing could look in practice for different buyers and configurations.
- Basic configuration (787-8, standard interior) — Specs: standard seating, minimal premium cabin; Labor: 2–3 crews, 120–150 hours; Per-unit: approximately $240–$260 million, total with delivery and basics around $255–$280 million.
- Mid-Range (787-9 with comfortable cabin) — Specs: enhanced seating, mid-tier entertainment, longer-range mission; Labor: 150–180 hours; Per-unit: $270–$310 million; Total: $315–$350 million.
- Premium (787-10 or premium interior) — Specs: high-density cabin, luxury finishes, extended range; Labor: 180–230 hours; Per-unit: $320–$360 million; Total with add-ons: $360–$420 million.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ongoing ownership costs often rival the upfront price over a 5–10 year horizon. Maintenance reserves, inspections, engine health monitoring, and overhauls contribute meaningfully to lifetime cost. A typical 5-year maintenance outlook can add several million dollars beyond the initial purchase price, depending on utilization, flight hours, and regulatory cycles. Insurance premiums and crew training costs recur periodically, with larger fleets achieving better unit economics through amortization.
Ways To Save
Strategic choices can lower total ownership cost without compromising safety or reliability. Options include selecting a lower-mileage pre-owned aircraft within a certification window, negotiating favorable delivery terms, bundling training with maintenance support, and optimizing interior configurations for efficiency. Regional incentives or government-backed financing can reduce effective cost of capital. Proper maintenance planning and long-term spares programs also reduce unexpected downtime and spare parts expenses.
Price At A Glance
Quick summary for budgeting: 787 family price guides typically show a low-to-high band from about $240 million to $380 million per aircraft, with a broad cushion for customization, delivery charges, and long-term ownership costs. Real-world quotes usually place the all-in price closer to the mid-to-upper portion when premium interiors, extended range variants, or complex regulatory requirements are added. The most impactful variables remain model selection, interior fit, and post-delivery service commitments.