On Friday, 16 May 2014, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) declared the Boeing 787 to be a 777 variant for crew licensing purposes.  The EASA Operational Evaluation Board recently met to discuss this 787/777 issue and agreed the 787 can be classified as a variant of the 777.

For carriers like British Airways which operates both types of aircraft, this EASA initiative is seen a positive step. The airline is evaluating the implications of this directive in relation to safety, training and differences to specifications., Possibly the most significant benefit for British Airways is there will no longer be a requirement for BA crew to hold four qualifications. There will still be a requirement for  BA crew to convert to the 787-8 through conversion courses.