Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • September 2013
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Boeing 787: More Electric Architecture

By: Willy Shih
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:19
ShareBar

Abstract

The "more electric architecture" of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner represented a significant shift in the design of secondary power systems for commercial aircraft, compared to traditional designs that employed a mix of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power. While the design promised improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, competitor Airbus was critical of some of the changes Boeing made. The case offers students the opportunity to understand the motivations and key enablers for the shift, and consider whether the approach is more risky than one taken by Airbus with its A350XWB.

Keywords

Boeing; 787; Airbus; A350XWB; Architectural Innovation; Technological Substitution; Technological Innovation; Vertical Integration; Air Transportation; Aerospace Industry; United States

Citation

Shih, Willy. "Boeing 787: More Electric Architecture." Harvard Business School Case 614-015, September 2013.
  • Educators

About The Author

Willy C. Shih

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

More from the Author

    • February 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Coats Dyehouse Management

    By: Willy C. Shih
    • November 15, 2022
    • Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

    What Really Makes Toyota’s Production System Resilient

    By: Willy C. Shih
    • October 21, 2022
    • Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

    Climate Regulations Are About to Disrupt Global Shipping

    By: Willy C. Shih
More from the Author
  • Coats Dyehouse Management By: Willy C. Shih
  • What Really Makes Toyota’s Production System Resilient By: Willy C. Shih
  • Climate Regulations Are About to Disrupt Global Shipping By: Willy C. Shih
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College