Delta Orders 30 Boeing 787-10s: Ranking Airlines by Flights

The aviation industry is abuzz following Delta Air Lines’ announcement of a substantial order for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. On Tuesday, Delta confirmed a deal for 30 aircraft, with options for an additional 30, marking a significant investment in its fleet modernization strategy. As the demand for air travel continues to rise, this development prompts a closer look at the current operators of the Boeing 787-10 and their flight schedules in 2026.

Leading Operators of the Boeing 787-10

According to data from Cirium, Singapore Airlines emerges as the largest operator of the Boeing 787-10, boasting 27 aircraft in its fleet and an additional four on order. This strong position is reflected in the airline’s scheduled flights, with a total of 26,419 planned for 2026, providing approximately 8.9 million seats to travelers. Singapore Airlines configures its 787-10s with 36 business class and 301 economy class seats, catering to a wide range of passengers. The top routes include connections from its hub at Changi Airport (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK) and Denpasar (DPS), with frequencies reaching six daily flights during peak summer months.

Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, praised the 787-10, stating in 2018, “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 Singapore Airlines, United Airlines ranks second in both fleet size and number of flights scheduled for 2026, with 21 aircraft and 11,508 flights planned. The contrast in flight numbers, despite a relatively close fleet size, highlights United’s focus on long-haul routes, while its Asian counterpart prioritizes regional services. Key routes for United include Newark to Los Angeles and Tel Aviv.

EVA Air claims the third position, with 11,064 flights scheduled for 2026, despite having a smaller fleet of 13 787-10s compared to KLM’s 14. EVA Air operates its 787-10s primarily on routes linking Taipei with Osaka and Tokyo Narita, with frequencies reaching up to three times daily. KLM, meanwhile, utilizes the aircraft for two daily flights from Amsterdam to Los Angeles and New York.

Other Notable Operators

All Nippon Airways (ANA), a launch customer of the 787 family, ranks fifth with 9,351 flights planned for 2026. The airline operates 10 787-10s (with two more on order), focusing on domestic routes, including the busy Tokyo Haneda to Sapporo service.

British Airways operates a larger fleet of 12 787-10s and has 38 more on order. However, its focus on long-haul routes results in only 7,762 scheduled flights for 2026. Similarly, Vietnam Airlines, which has six 787-10s, plans to operate 7,657 flights, primarily on the domestic route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Korean Air, with 13 787-10s and 27 on order, has scheduled 7,407 flights for this year. Etihad Airways, operating 10 units, plans for 6,582 flights, while Saudia, with eight 787-10s and 21 on order, has 4,076 flights scheduled.

A noteworthy addition to the 787-10 operators is TAAG Angola Airlines, which received its first aircraft in November 2025. The airline currently has two 787-10s and has scheduled 34 flights (17 round trips) between Luanda and Sao Paulo in January 2026, with potential for additional services throughout the year.

As Delta Air Lines moves forward with its expansion plans, the competition among airlines operating the Boeing 787-10 is set to intensify, potentially reshaping the landscape of international air travel in the coming years.