Composite vs. Metal: Why Tail Strikes Ground 787s and A350s Far Longer Than 777s
A tail strike incident can have vastly different consequences depending on the aircraft's construction materials. While metal aircraft like the Boeing 777 can often be repaired relatively quickly by replacing damaged aluminum sections, composite airliners face a much longer downtime. Modern jets such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 are built with carbon fiber reinforced polymer, which requires highly specialized and time-consuming repair processes. These complex procedures, often involving scarf repairs and controlled curing, mean a tail strike can keep these advanced aircraft in the hangar for weeks or even months. This extended grounding period represents a significant operational and financial challenge for airlines.
Official Source: https://simpleflying.com/why-boeing-787-airbus-a350-tail-strike-weeks-hangar-while-777-fly-again-days/