Aircraft
FAA Approves Boeing 787 for 330-Minute ETOPS
The Boeing 787-8 can now fly as far as 330 minutes away from a diversion airfield.
The Boeing 787-8 can now fly as 330 minutes away from a diversion airfield. (Photo: Boeing)
The Boeing 787-8 can now fly as 330 minutes away from a diversion airfield. (Photo: Boeing)

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday increased the limits of Boeing 787 extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) from 180 to 330 minutes, Boeing announced on Wednesday. The approval allows the Dreamliner to operate as far as 330 minutes away from a diversion airfield, thereby allowing for more direct routes between long-range city pairs, particularly over the Pacific Ocean. The expanded operational permission could also allow airlines to open new routes after they meet the so-called proof of capabilities requirements and receive approval from their own regulatory agencies for such operations. Boeing 787s have operated under 180-minute ETOPS since they entered service in 2011.