The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified an increased maximum takeoff weight (iMTOW) for the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft types. giving airline customers the option to carry more payload or fly longer routes. The first jets built with the enhanced capability are now progressing through ticketing and delivery activities.
For the B787-9, the FAA has certified an increase in MTOW of approximately 4,540 kg (10,000 lbs), enabling airlines to implement around three metric tons of extra payload, or increase range by more than 300 nautical miles (560 km).
For the B787-10, roughly 6,350 kg (14,000 lbs) has been added to the MTOW, enabling around five metric tons of extra payload, or more than 400 nautical miles (740 km) of additional range.
Boeing’s programme leaders say the iMTOW upgrades are being implemented following airline customer feedback and as a result of ongoing product development.
“We started this effort after airlines sent Boeing a clear message: they wanted greater flexibility,” said John Murphy, chief project engineer for the B787. “Some wanted the 787-10 to fly longer missions; others wanted the 787-9 to carry additional payload with range trade-offs. Boeing designed a solution that delivers both.”
The upgrade comes 15 years after the 787 Dreamliner first entered service in 2011, with more than 1,250 deliveries of the aircraft type made to date.
Rigorous engineering
All Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 airplanes assembled as of December 2025 are structurally capable of the higher MTOW. The certified operating weight is designated per airplane and can affect airport fees and route planning. For those reasons, airlines can choose to activate the capability at the time of delivery or later. Offering iMTOW as an option enables carriers to match the certified capability of these aircraft to their network economics.
“Certification of an increased maximum takeoff weight for the 787 reflects years of rigorous engineering, testing, and close coordination with our regulators,” explained Lisa Fahl, vice president of engineering for the B787. “This certification approval has followed a structured, data-driven programme of analysis to validate structural loads, performance and systems behaviour at the higher weight that will deliver more capability and new opportunities for our customers.”
Since entering service, the 787 Dreamliner family has opened more than 530 new non-stop routes that were never previously served,” added Darren Hulst, Boeing’s vice president of commercial marketing. “With an increased takeoff weight, these airplanes don’t just fly farther— they expand what’s possible, enabling airlines to launch new routes, reach underserved markets, and rethink how they connect the world.”
Air New Zealand gains flexibility
As launch customer for the B787-9, Air New Zealand will be among the first operators to benefit from the increased MTOW.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see our first 787-9 with the increased maximum takeoff weight completing assembly and preparing for its final inspections and flight tests,” said Baden Smith, Air New Zealand’s general manager of strategy, networks and fleet. “This upgrade gives us greater ability to carry additional payload on our ultra long-haul routes – an important enabler for our network ambitions, supporting trade, tourism and better connectivity for New Zealand.”
