A350 vs 787: A Pilot's Perspective on Both Aircraft
Two Widebodies, Two Philosophies
The A350 and 787 represent cutting-edge widebody technology. Both are composite-fuselage, twin-engine, long-range jets. From the pilot seat, the experience differs in meaningful ways.
Cockpit Comparison
| Feature | Airbus A350 | Boeing 787 |
|---|---|---|
| Control input | Sidestick (FBW) | Yoke (FBW) |
| Displays | 6 large LCD screens | 5 large LCD screens |
| HUD | Standard | Optional |
| Automation | Very high | High |
A350 Experience
- Six reconfigurable displays for maximum flexibility
- Keyboard and trackball for easy FMS programming
- Familiar for A320 pilots (Airbus CCQ transition)
- "The quietest cockpit I have ever flown in"
787 Experience
- Boeing's first fly-by-wire but retains traditional yoke
- HUD with synthetic vision is groundbreaking
- Familiar for 777 pilots in Boeing philosophy
- "Best Boeing cockpit ever designed"
Performance Comparison
| Metric | A350-900 | 787-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 8,100 nm | 7,530 nm |
| Passengers | 300-350 | 290-330 |
| Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 | Mach 0.85 |
| Engines | RR Trent XWB | GEnx or Trent 1000 |
Pay
At most airlines, both are on the same widebody pay scale. A Delta A350 captain and a United 787 captain at the same seniority earn the same.
Cross-Fleet Training
A350 advantage: A320 to A350 benefits from Cross Crew Qualification (CCQ), reducing training time significantly. No equivalent shortcut exists from 737 to 787.
What Pilots Prefer
- Former Airbus pilots tend to prefer A350 for familiar automation
- Former Boeing pilots tend to prefer 787 for yoke and Boeing philosophy
- Both camps agree either aircraft is a privilege to fly
The Bottom Line
Both are remarkable aircraft. Choose the airline, not the aircraft. Your satisfaction depends on company culture, base, and seniority far more than sidestick vs yoke.
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