If 1 billion people stood in line to board an airplane at the same time, spaced three feet apart, the line would wrap around the Earth about 23 times.
That fact shows the significance of the 787 Dreamliner family’s latest milestone, carrying 1 billion passengers in less than 14 years since entering service in 2011.
Why it matters: The 787 family has accomplished this feat faster than any widebody airplane in history, dependably supporting airline customers and safely carrying passengers to destinations all over the world.
- "You're serving other families so they can make memories across the whole world," said Celine Dobson, 787 Lean practitioner. "That's super important because family and memories is who we are."
- "People trust us with their most treasured memories," said Jonathan Hoehl, 787 Equipment engineer. "If you're going someplace special, someplace that people save up all year for, we're the ones taking you there."
- "One billion is a whole lot of customers," said Tim Mason, 787 senior Operations manager. "I think it's incredible that so many people put their trust in us to get them from point A to point B safely."
Milestone video: To mark the moment, Boeing released a video honoring the passengers, partners and people behind the success of the 787 Dreamliner family.
- "This milestone would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of our customers in operating the 787, and we are incredibly grateful for each of them," said Scott Stocker, 787 program vice president and general manager. "This achievement reflects the dedication, talent and innovation of the teammates and partners who have brought the 787 family to life. To every operator flying the 787, and every one of the 1 billion passengers who have flown on a Dreamliner, thank you."
The big picture: The global 787 fleet of more than 1,175 airplanes has flown nearly 5 million flights covering more than 30 million flight hours. Here are some facts about the Dreamliner fleet:
- Each day there are about 2,100 flights carrying more than 480,000 passengers, or about 14.5 million passengers per month
- The 787 Dreamliner operates across more than 85 countries and 520 airports
- It has opened more than 425 nonstop routes between destinations that were not served previously
- On average, each 787 is in the air more than 12 hours per day — showcasing strong global demand and reliability.
“Thank you to our Boeing team, our supplier partners and our customers for making this milestone possible,” said Stephanie Pope, Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. “Passengers love the Dreamliner for its larger windows, quieter cabin, improved humidity, and lower cabin altitude pressurization. Here’s to the next billion!”
Learn more about the 787 Dreamliner difference: Check out the interactive experience that highlights the unique ways airlines are using the 787 to connect the world and hear more from our teammates about what this milestone means to them.
Go deeper: Employees are invited to share their 787 memories and stories on social media using hashtag #Dreamliner.