Since its introduction in 2011, the Boeing 787 has transformed long-haul flying thanks to its advanced design and enhanced passenger comfort. Built using lightweight composite materials, paired with more efficient engines and refined aerodynamics, the 787 significantly reduces fuel burn and emissions. As a result, its impressive range and flexibility have enabled airlines to launch new nonstop routes across continents, doing so with lower operating costs than older widebody aircraft while maintaining strong operational performance.

Several carriers across the world are rapidly expanding their Boeing 787 fleets as global travel demand continues to grow. In this article, we will use data from ch-aviation to take a look at some of the airlines with the most 787s on order and the role they play in their fleets. We will also examine the 787 in more detail and reveal the world’s largest operators of the aircraft.

United Airlines

United Airlines placed its landmark order for up to 140 Boeing 787-9s as part of a major widebody commitment announced in December 2022. The deal formed part of a broader plan to acquire up to 200 Boeing widebody aircraft, making it the largest widebody order ever placed by a US airline. While the initial announcement covered multiple 787 variants, United later confirmed that the 787-9 would be the variant of choice, reflecting the aircraft’s balance of range, capacity, and efficiency.

The Boeing 787-9 sits at the center of United Airlines’ long-term fleet renewal strategy. As deliveries continue through the second half of the decade, the aircraft will replace aging aircraft, such as the Boeing 767-300ER, 767-400ER, and the carrier’s older 777-200s, while also supporting international growth. Its fuel efficiency and long range allow United Airlines to operate both high-density intercontinental routes and thinner long-haul markets that were previously difficult to serve profitably. This flexibility supports the Star Alliance carrier’s strategy of expanding nonstop international flying from several of its hubs, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

A major focus of United Airlines’ new Boeing 787-9 deliveries is a significantly upgraded onboard product, led by the carrier’s newest Polaris business class product. This includes the new Polaris Studio suite, located in the first row of the business class cabin, offering larger seats, additional privacy, and upgraded finishes. United Airlines’ latest refresh of its Polaris product reflects the increased demand worldwide for premium air travel.

Beyond business class, United Airlines is also updating the cabin interior throughout the rest of its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with modern lighting, improved inflight entertainment, and a refined cabin aesthetic. Together, these upgrades highlight how the 787-9 order is not only about fleet efficiency, but also about positioning the carrier as a leader in premium long-haul travel for years to come.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways’ order for additional Boeing 787-9s forms part of a record-breaking commitment to Boeing announced in May 2025, under which the carrier, based at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), agreed to purchase up to 210 widebody jets, including 130 Boeing 787s, making it the largest 787 order in Boeing’s history and the biggest widebody aircraft order ever by the airline. This massive deal underscores Qatar Airways’ intent to accelerate its fleet renewal and expand its global long-haul network with one of the most efficient and comfortable aircraft families available.

The Boeing 787-9 is especially attractive to Qatar Airways due to its fuel efficiency, long range, and superior passenger experience, which fits seamlessly with the airline’s premium service model. The 787-9’s advanced aerodynamics and modern systems are expected to help cut fuel use and emissions while enhancing operational flexibility on routes across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The oneworld carrier deploys its 787-9s to destinations including Manchester Airport (MAN), Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD).

Onboard, Qatar Airways is adapting its award-winning premium cabin offerings for the Boeing 787-9. While the airline’s flagship Qsuite product, seen on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-300ER, can’t be installed in its original form due to the 787’s slightly narrower fuselage, Qatar Airways has developed a bespoke business class seat for the 787-9 that retains the privacy and direct aisle access of the Qsuite. As deliveries roll out over the coming years, these additional Boeing 787-9s will play a key role in modernizing Qatar Airways’ fleet, lowering operating costs, and enhancing the carrier’s renowned service quality on international routes.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ expected Boeing 787-9 deliveries have become one of the most closely watched parts of its long-haul fleet strategy, especially as the carrier works to modernize its widebody fleet and enhance its premium service on international routes. After years of deferrals and schedule shifts, American Airlines is now actively taking new 787-9s. These are just some of the more than 400 aircraft on order that will be delivered in the next decade, including a mix of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and Airbus A321 variants.

Deliveries began to pick up in 2025, with American Airlines receiving its 1,000th mainline aircraft, a 787-9 configured with the airline’s latest premium product, in August. Routes such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and seasonal services from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Brisbane Airport (BNE) are already seeing the new 787-9s in service.

The oneworld carrier expects regular deliveries of Boeing 787-9s throughout 2026 and 2027. These newer Dreamliners are standout aircraft in American Airlines’ long-haul fleet thanks to enhanced passenger experiences, including the cutting-edge Flagship Suite cabins with privacy doors and premium finishes that significantly raise the bar for business class on transatlantic and transpacific services. As more 787-9s join the fleet, they will allow American Airlines to retire older widebodies, increase frequencies on high-demand routes, and give passengers a more comfortable onboard experience.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has just placed the largest aircraft order in its history, and the Boeing 787 figures prominently in its long-haul expansion plans. In January 2026, the carrier, based at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), announced a huge order for 105 Boeing 737-10s and five additional 787s as part of its Alaska Accelerate strategy, exercising all of its previously held 787 options with Boeing. This brings the carrier’s total 787 orderbook to 17 787s, including aircraft it inherited through its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.

At the time of the order, the CEO of Alaska Air Group, Ben Minicucci, celebrated the news, saying,

« This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan. These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Boeing, a Pacific Northwest neighbor and a company that stands as a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing.”

The five new Boeing 787s are expected to be delivered as 787-10 variants and will support Alaska Airlines’ ambitions to expand long-haul international service from its Seattle hub. The airline has already outlined plans to operate at least 12 long-haul destinations by 2030, including key markets in Europe and Asia, and undoubtedly sees the 787’s range and efficiency as central to that growth.

All About The Boeing 787

The Boeing 787 has been a game-changer for long‑haul air travel since it entered service in 2011 with All Nippon Airways. Designed with efficiency and passenger comfort in mind, the 787 was the first commercial airliner to use composite materials for most of its airframe, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient than previous widebody aircraft. Coupled with modern engines and advanced aerodynamics, the aircraft can fly farther on less fuel while producing fewer emissions, making it a favorite for airlines looking to open new nonstop routes around the world.

Passenger experience was also a major focus in the 787’s design. Larger windows, improved cabin pressurization, and higher humidity levels help reduce fatigue on long flights, while quieter engines and smoother aerodynamics make for a calmer ride. The 787 family includes several variants to suit different airline needs – the smaller 787‑8 was the first to enter service, the 787‑9 stretched the fuselage for more capacity and range, while the 787‑10, the longest variant, is optimized for high‑density, medium‑long routes.

Since its launch, the Boeing 787 has become a global workhorse, with more than 1,000 in service with airlines around the world. Its combination of efficiency, flexibility, and passenger comfort has reshaped international travel and continues to influence how airlines plan their long‑haul networks for years to come.

The World’s Largest Operators Of The Boeing 787

All Nippon Airways is currently the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 787, with a total of 86 in its fleet, followed by fellow Star Alliance carrier, United Airlines, with 78. The world’s largest operators of the 787 are outlined in the table below: