Delta Orders 30 Boeing 787-10s as Airlines Expand Fleets

The recent announcement by Delta Air Lines regarding a significant order for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner has sparked interest in the current landscape of airlines operating this aircraft type. Delta has committed to purchasing 30 units of the 787-10, with options for an additional 30, marking a notable expansion in its fleet. As airlines prepare for a busy travel future, an exploration of the airlines utilizing the 787-10 and their flight schedules offers insight into the aircraft’s role in global aviation.

Leading Airlines in the 787-10 Fleet

According to data from Cirium, Singapore Airlines leads the world as the largest operator of the Boeing 787-10, boasting a fleet of 27 aircraft and four more on order. The airline is also the top user, with a staggering 26,419 scheduled flights planned for 2026, translating to approximately 8.9 million available seats. Singapore Airlines configures its 787-10s with 36 business class and 301 economy class seats. Key routes include connections from its hub at Changi Airport (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK) and Denpasar (DPS), with peak frequencies reaching six daily round trips during the summer season.

The launch customer for the 787-10, Singapore Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Goh Choon Phong, expressed the aircraft’s importance to the airline’s growth strategy, stating, “The 787-10 is a magnificent piece of engineering and truly a work of art. It will be an important element in our overall growth strategy, enabling us to expand our network and strengthen our operations.”

Following closely behind, United Airlines ranks second in both fleet size and scheduled flights for 2026, operating 21 of the aircraft and planning 11,508 flights. The difference in flight numbers compared to Singapore Airlines reflects United’s focus on long-haul routes, while Singapore Airlines utilizes the 787-10 for regional travel. Key United routes include flights from Newark to Los Angeles and Tel Aviv.

In third place, EVA Air has planned 11,064 flights for its 13 787-10s, positioning it just ahead of KLM, which has scheduled 10,052 flights with a fleet of 14. EVA Air’s primary routes connect Taipei with Osaka and Tokyo Narita, with frequencies reaching up to three times daily. KLM, meanwhile, operates two daily flights from Amsterdam to Los Angeles and New York.

Additional Operators and Emerging Markets

The All Nippon Airways (ANA) ranks fifth, with 9,351 scheduled flights for its 10 787-10s, plus two on order. ANA’s busiest route connects Tokyo Haneda with Sapporo, reflecting Japan’s preference for utilizing widebody aircraft on domestic routes.

Despite having a larger fleet of 12 787-10s, British Airways has planned only 7,762 flights, primarily due to its focus on long-haul services. In Asia, Vietnam Airlines operates six 787-10s, with 7,657 flights scheduled this year, predominantly on the domestic route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Korean Air plans 7,407 flights with its 13 787-10s, while Etihad Airways and Saudia are set to operate 6,582 and 4,076 flights respectively, with 10 and eight aircraft in their fleets.

The latest addition to the 787-10 operators is TAAG Angola Airlines, which received its first aircraft in November 2025. The African airline currently has two 787-10s and has scheduled 34 flights for January 2026, primarily between Luanda and São Paulo. More flights are likely to be added as the year progresses.

As airlines expand their fleets and flight schedules, the Boeing 787-10 continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air travel. The investments made by major carriers reflect a growing confidence in the recovery of the aviation sector and the demand for efficient long-haul travel options.