Have Your Say

    Stuart of Australia

    October 27, 2016

    Having recently flown (business class) on both B787 (both variants 800-900) and A350-900 on three flights within a 36 hour period in basically the same position (seat) on all flights I am in the unique position of being able to compare aeroplanes.
    Without any doubt the A350 is superior.
    Whilst it is noisy on take off, infact I’ve never heard a jet engine make so much noise, but when in the cruise it’s almost silent, the only perceptible noise in the cabin is that of the air rushing past the fuselage, no engine noise is heard.
    The B787 is quieter on take off, but once in the cruise a low pitched constant throb/vibration can be heard and felt from it’s engine. This vibration, whilst not overly pronounced, was transmitted through the airframe and could be heard/felt anywhere.
    Which is a bit odd as both aeroplanes (on my flights) use basically the same engine, RR Trent 1000 for B787 and RR xwb for A350, the xwb being basically a Trent 1000 with an extra compressor turbine.
    It may well be related to the following comment.
    The A350 feels stronger and more robust, whereas the B787 has a flimsy feel to it.
    Vibrations caused by take off and landing turbulence and equipment like landing gear were also more pronounced in the B787.
    Whilst there are design differences both technically and within the cabin the lack of centre overhead bins in the A350 Business cabin gives it a much more ‘roomy’ feel.
    Technically (for which I am no expert) the A350 uses more traditional ‘air bleed’ powered systems over the ‘electrically’ powered system employed by Boeing in the dreamliner, the reliability of which will probably only be proven over time.
    Traditionally hydraulic systems have been favoured over electrical because of reliability.
    Both aeroplanes use composite materials, both have lower altitude pressurisation and higher humidity air systems but for some unknown reason to me the atmospheric comfort level in the A350 cabin was better, and that was the longest flight at 9+ hours where as the B787 flights were 2.5 and 5.5 hours respectively.
    Some people may find, as I did, that the extra large windows in the B787 a little unnerving as they allow you to see more clearly just how far above the ground you are.
    Note: Whilst the A350 windows are bigger than A330 windows, they are not as big as the B787 windows, and have traditional blinds rather than the ‘fadamatic’ B787 windows.
    Just as a comment, the curved pilot/co pilot (front) windows on the A350 give it a unique look unlike any other modern jet aircraft, and is thus easily identified.

    Editors' Comment

    Thanks for sharing your feedback - it's interesting to see the differences you noticed.