The Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are two of the most recognizable widebodies of the modern aviation era. Blending the latest advances in aviation technology, passenger comfort, and airline economics, these two aircraft types have become the backbone and future of many airlines’ fleets worldwide. Utilized primarily on ultra long-haul and long-haul routes, but also scheduled on some short- to medium-haul routes, these two aircraft have set themselves as a benchmark for efficiency, reliability, and overall quality in aviation.

Both aircraft have a heavy focus on passenger comfort. When we think of aircraft comfort, we generally think about the primary physical features: a state-of-the-art cabin design, comfortable seats across all classes packed with technology, and the ability to increase capacity with premium seating options. However, there’s another factor that we don’t generally consider: aircraft noise.

The Battle Of The Widebodies

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Boeing launched their 787 program back in April 2004, rolling it out to the public in July 2007 and making the first delivery to the launch customer, All Nippon Airways, in September 2011. The 787 was launched as a next-generation aircraft, bringing the promise of advanced technology and maximum fuel efficiency. The aircraft is made of 50% composites and available in a range of variants, including the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10; seating around 250–340 passengers with a range of up to 7,565nm (14,010km) for the 787-9 variant. As of mid-2025, Boeing has delivered over 1,200 airframes to a range of carriers, with ANA, United Airlines, and American Airlines among the largest operators by number held in the fleet.

Airbus released its A350 program shortly after Boeing in October 2005. The prototype flight took place in June 2013, with the type’s official entry into service in January 2015 with launch customer Qatar Airways. Airbus offers several variants, including the A350-900, A350-900ULR, A350-1000, and the upcoming A350-1000ULR and A350F variants. With space to carry between 300–400 passengers, slightly more than its American counterpart. The range of the A350 is also longer than that of the 787, with the A350-900 having a range of 8,100nm (15,000km). The A350-900 ULR (Ultra Long Range) specifically covers a distance of up to 9,700 nm (17,964km).

Both aircraft have carved out a stellar reputation as reliable workhorses, earning the hearts of crew, passengers, and airlines across the world. The aircraft act as direct competitors to each other in type and across variants, strengthening the Airbus vs Boeing battle we see across so many aircraft, as both manufacturers look for marginal gains over each other.

Clever Cabin Design

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Cabin design is one of the most significant factors influencing passenger comfort and overall satisfaction throughout the duration of a flight. Every element of the interior environment, ranging from seat pitch and ergonomics to cabin lighting, air quality, and the materials used in construction, plays a crucial role in shaping how travelers experience their journey. How do the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner compare in terms of cabin comfort and innovation? How do their design philosophies, technological features, and passenger-focused enhancements stack up against each other?

The Boeing 787’s cabin features a low cabin altitude of around 6,000 feet and higher humidity levels than traditional aluminium fuselage aircraft. Its composite structure allows for cleaner, more comfortable air and larger windows, about 30% bigger than those on older aircraft, with electronic dimming instead of pull-down shades. LED mood lighting helps reduce jet lag, and the aircraft’s quiet engines and improved pressurization system make long flights noticeably less fatiguing. While cabin comfort ultimately depends on airline configuration, the 787 generally offers a modern, airy, and passenger-friendly atmosphere.

The Airbus A350 features the “Airspace” cabin, focused on creating one of the quietest and most spacious twin-aisle environments in the sky. Its wider fuselage of around 18 feet 4 inches (5.6 meters) across, compared to the 787’s 18 feet (5.49 meters) fuselage, provides extra shoulder room, wider seats, and larger aisles compared to most competitors, including the 787. Like the Dreamliner, it maintains a low cabin altitude and good humidity, with LED mood lighting and large, electro-dimmable windows enhancing the sense of calm and space. Advanced noise insulation and smooth airflow design make the A350 remarkably quiet and comfortable, delivering a refined, relaxed experience even on ultra-long-haul routes.

Noise Level Comparison

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Alongside cabin and seat design, passenger comfort (specifically on long flights) usually places an emphasis on delicious inflight meals and snacks, comfortable blankets and pillows, a great selection of films on the inflight entertainment, and maybe even a nice amenity kit. But is there more to it than the physical characteristics of the cabin and service? Airbus certainly thinks so.

The Airbus A350 is regarded as one of the quietest twin-aisle aircraft in the world. Cabin noise levels are up to 5dB lower than those of previous-generation widebodies, with up to 9dB less noise in the forward sections. Passengers experience a noticeable reduction in ambient sound throughout all phases of flight, creating a calm, relaxed atmosphere ideal for long-haul travel. The A350’s quietness contributes to its premium reputation, often cited by airlines and travelers alike as a key factor in overall comfort.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is also known for being significantly quieter than older aircraft, and even quieter than the A350 in certain conditions, offering a more peaceful ride than models like the 767 or 777. Its overall cabin noise is roughly 20% lower than that of comparable previous-generation jets, reducing fatigue and improving rest during flight. Passengers often note the 787’s calm cruising environment and softer engine sound, making it a clear step forward from earlier designs. While both aircraft deliver a modern, quiet experience, the A350 is measured as quieter overall.

Coincidence Or Clever Design?

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Airbus places strong emphasis on the passenger experience, particularly on cabin noise (or the lack thereof) across its A350 variants. The cabin creates a calm, comfortable, and, more importantly, quiet environment. Is this simply a fortunate byproduct of modern technology, or the result of deliberate, clever design focused on passenger comfort from the very beginning?

Airbus began by optimizing the aircraft’s overall structure to minimize vibration and sound transmission. The fuselage and wings are made largely from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer, a material that not only reduces weight but also dampens noise more effectively than traditional aluminum. The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are another major contributor, equipped with acoustic liners, advanced fan blade geometry, and low-speed rotation designs that significantly reduce engine noise both inside and outside the aircraft. These elements work together to lower the sound footprint, particularly during takeoff and cruise.

Inside the cabin, Airbus focused on isolating and absorbing the remaining noise before it reaches passengers. Layers of acoustic insulation are built into the floor, sidewalls, and ceiling panels, while carefully designed air ducts and ventilation systems reduce the noise of airflow. The cabin layout, including softer materials and vibration-dampening fixtures, further helps maintain a peaceful environment throughout the flight. The result is an interior that remains consistently quiet across all seating zones, enhancing sleep quality, conversation, and the overall sense of calm that has become a signature of the A350 experience.

Looking To The Future

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Future developments in aircraft cabin noise reduction are likely to focus on smarter, more adaptive technologies. One area is the use of advanced composite materials that can actively absorb or dampen vibrations, helping to prevent sound from spreading through the fuselage. These materials could be tuned to counteract specific frequencies, creating a quieter environment without adding significant weight.

Another major frontier is active noise control, similar to the technology used in a lot of pilot headsets. By embedding sensors and speakers within cabin panels, future aircraft could generate sound waves that cancel out unwanted noise in real time. This would make it possible to maintain consistently low noise levels throughout the cabin, regardless of changes in engine speed, airflow, or turbulence.

Engine and propulsion innovation will also play a crucial role. Quieter engine architectures, such as ultra-high bypass turbofans, geared turbofan systems, and even electric or hybrid-electric propulsion, promise to cut external and in-cabin noise dramatically. Combined with improved airflow systems, smarter ducting, and AI-based acoustic monitoring, these technologies could make the next generation of aircraft cabins not just quieter, but dynamically tuned for passenger comfort.

The Battle Continues

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The battle between the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 represents the pinnacle of modern long-haul comfort, efficiency, and quiet design. Both aircraft have redefined passenger expectations through innovations such as lower cabin altitude, higher humidity, and advanced soundproofing. Their competition has pushed both manufacturers to refine every aspect of the passenger experience, proving that comfort is now just as critical as performance and fuel efficiency.

Beyond comfort, the rivalry between these two giants showcases the evolution of aviation technology and design. Boeing’s focus on composite materials and fuel-saving aerodynamics is matched by Airbus’s emphasis on operational flexibility and advanced cockpit systems. Together, they have set new benchmarks for what modern long-haul travel can achieve, influencing how airlines and passengers alike define quality and value in air travel.

Looking ahead, this competition is set to continue as Boeing and Airbus turn their attention to the next generation of single-aisle aircraft, the eventual successors to the 737 and A320 families. These future models are expected to carry forward lessons learned from the 787 and A350, incorporating quieter engines, lighter materials, and smarter cabin technology. As airlines demand quieter, cleaner, and more efficient aircraft, the rivalry between Boeing and Airbus will likely intensify, driving innovation not just in performance but also in the overall experience of flying itself.