CBL - Campus del Baix Llobregat

Projecte llegit

Títol: Comparative Cost, Efficiency and Reliability Analysis of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350

Estudiants que han llegit aquest projecte:

Director/a: ALTMEYER, SEBASTIÁN ANDREAS

Departament: FIS

Títol: Comparative Cost, Efficiency and Reliability Analysis of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350

Data inici oferta: 31-12-2025     Data finalització oferta: 31-07-2026


Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    GR ENG SIS TELECOMUN
    GR ENG SIST AEROESP
    GR ENG TELEMÀTICA
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: EETAC
 
Paraules clau:
Comparativa, Análisis, Coste, Eficiencia, Fiabilidad, Boeing 787, Airbus A350
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
1. Analysis of the A350's Operational Efficiency on Long-Haul Routes
This analysis explores how the A350 is designed to maximize operational efficiency on long-haul flights, highlighting aerodynamic optimization, fuel consumption, and reduced operating costs. Its performance is compared to other long-range aircraft such as the Boeing 787, evaluating how the A350's technology and design enable cost reduction on transcontinental routes.

2. Comparative Study of the Economics of Flexibility in Seat and Cargo Configuration
This study focuses on how the interior design flexibility of the A350 and the B787 impacts the economic efficiency of airlines. Payload capacity and seat density are evaluated in both aircraft, analyzing which offers greater adaptability for operating on diverse routes. Furthermore, it compares how these configurations optimize space utilization and affect airline operating costs.

3. Comparative Study of A350 vs. B787 Operating Costs
The objective of this study is to compare the overall operating costs of the A350 and the B787,
considering fuel consumption, maintenance, and aircraft reliability.
Long-term costs are analyzed, including differences in maintenance frequency and operational profitability. Furthermore, the study evaluates how each aircraft is suited
to different types of routes, from transatlantic flights to short-haul regional flights.

4. Impact of Wing Geometry on Payload Capacity and Weight Distribution
This analysis investigates how the aerodynamic design of the wings on the A350 and the B787 influences
payload capacity.
It assesses how weight distribution and the center of gravity affect operational efficiency and fuel consumption, especially
when the aircraft are fully loaded.

The flexibility of the wing configuration to adapt to variations in passenger and cargo loads is also analyzed. 5. Study of Economic and Aerodynamic Flexibility in Long-Haul Aircraft for New Routes
This study explores how the flexibility of the A350 and B787 in terms of seating configuration and aerodynamic performance enables profitable operation on new long-haul routes. It compares the adaptability of both aircraft to emerging markets and lower-demand routes, evaluating the cost-benefit of airline expansion on these types of routes and operational efficiency in these contexts. This involves creating a new route, optimizing aircraft layout, and calculating aerodynamic data on different segments of the route based on more frequent weather conditions.

6. Analysis of Cabin Configuration and its Impact on Operational Profitability
This study investigates how flexibility in cabin configuration affects the operational profitability of the A350 and B787. This analysis examines how class distribution and seat density influence operating economics and airlines' ability to adapt to market demand. Efficient space utilization is key to determining operating costs and profitability.
 
Overview (resum en anglès):
This bachelor thesis provides a detailed search for technical and operational information in order to compare two major wide-body commercial aircraft that dominate modern long-haul aviation: the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350-900. In recent decades, the aviation industry has experienced a major change driven by strict environmental rules and the need to make routes as profitable as possible. As a result, aircraft manufacturers have moved toward lightweight composite materials, highly integrated electrical systems, and improved aerodynamic designs to make their fleets more efficient overall.

The research starts with a close comparison of structures and materials, looking at Boeing's innovative single-piece barrel manufacturing method using carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) compared to Airbus' multi-panel longitudinal approach. It also looks specifically at the electrical system of the Boeing 787 versus the traditional pneumatic system of the Airbus A350. Aerodynamic efficiency is tested using XFLR5 simulations, which check the relationship between lift and drag, as well as wingtip technologies across different flight profiles and cruising altitudes. Along with aerodynamic and structural factors, the thesis includes an in-depth performance analysis using official manufacturer data.

Key operational figures, such as maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), structural payload limits, cargo volume capacity, fuel consumption per seat-kilometer, and direct operating costs per block-hour, are systematically modeled and compared for long-range, high-density flights. Reliability, maintenance plans, and costs are also included to evaluate long-term asset management. The results show a balanced operation with several differences. While the Boeing 787-9 stands out for its structural lightness, lower trip costs, and optimized fuel use on medium-density, long-haul routes, the Airbus A350-900 proves to be clearly superior in terms of maximum payload capacity, cargo space flexibility, overall range, and high-altitude cruise efficiency. Ultimately, this thesis gives airlines useful strategic insights for decision-making regarding fleet planning, route selection, and economic viability.

© CBLTIC Campus del Baix Llobregat - UPC