The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved an increase in the maximum takeoff weight (iMTOW) for Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft types, according to a Boeing press release. This certification allows airlines to operate these models with higher weights, offering the flexibility to carry more payload or fly longer routes.
Boeing stated that all B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft assembled as of December 2025 are structurally capable of supporting the increased weight, which operators can activate either at delivery or later in service. This update was driven by feedback from airlines seeking to improve operational efficiency and network reach.
Implications for Airline Operations
The revised iMTOW provides approximately three metric tonnes of additional payload for the B787-9, coupled with over 300 nautical miles of extra range. The B787-10 benefits from an increase of about five metric tons, with a range extension exceeding 400 nautical miles. Air New Zealand has already expressed interest, with Baden Smith, the airline's general manager for strategy and fleets, highlighting the upgrade's importance for ultra long-haul routes.
Air New Zealand currently operates fourteen B787-9 aircraft and plans to expand its fleet with additional -9 and -10 models. The company views the weight increase as a strategic enhancement aligning with its long-term network ambitions.
John Murphy, Boeing’s chief project engineer for the B787 programme, commented that the decision to increase the iMTOW addresses diverse airline needs, enabling longer missions or greater payload capacities with trade-offs in range. The FAA’s certification is a significant step, potentially influencing operational planning for airlines globally.
