Boeing readies a beefed-up 787 Dreamliner for early 2026

Boeing is aiming to begin deliveries of upgraded versions of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft in the first half of the year, a move that could allow airlines to operate longer routes or carry significantly more cargo, a senior company executive said on Wednesday.

The US planemaker has introduced improvements to the maximum takeoff weight of its 787-9 and 787-10 wide-body jets, enhancing their operational range and payload capacity. The changes would enable airlines to fly up to 400 miles (643 km) farther or carry an additional five to six tonnes of cargo.

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Darren Hulst, Boeing’s vice president of commercial marketing, said the modified aircraft are already progressing through the production and certification pipeline. “Those aircraft are actually already in the production system, moving through towards certification, and we anticipate deliveries of those aircraft beginning the ‌first ‍half of this year,” Hulst told reporters on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow.

Separately, Hulst said Boeing expects certification of its long-delayed 777X aircraft in the second half of the year, although entry into commercial service could slip into next year depending on airline readiness.

“When we think about the difference between certification and entry into service, ‍it's really up to our customers when they take delivery of the aircraft ‍and the ⁠processes and ⁠steps they need to go through between certification and ultimately revenue service for that aircraft,” he said.

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Boeing’s comments come amid signs of progress on the 777X programme. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the company is planning the first flight of a production 777X aircraft in April, marking a key milestone for the next-generation wide-body jet after years of delays.

India's expanding Boeing order book

Air India has a total of 250 Boeing aircraft on order, following its latest purchase of 30 additional single-aisle jets, including 20 Boeing 737-8 and 10 Boeing 737-10 planes, building on its landmark 2023 order of 220 aircraft.

Of these, 52 Boeing aircraft have already been delivered, comprising 51 Boeing 737-8 jets operating with Air India Express and one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, leaving 198 Boeing aircraft yet to be delivered as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet expansion and modernisation plan.