Boeing’s Dreamliner has finally taken to the skies three years later than planned. The aircrafts’ maiden flight was with All Nippon Airlines (ANA) on October 26, carrying passengers from Tokyo to Hong Kong on a special charter flight, with normal scheduled services due to start in November.
The Boeing Dreamliner, also known as the Boeing 787, had originally been planned to enter service in 2008, but the airplane manufacturer suffered numerous setbacks, resulting in a three year delay.
Despite this, Boeing announced that its quarterly profits were a third higher than the previous year, rising to $1.1 billion; “Our improved outlook for earnings reflects confidence in our market positions” said Boeing Chairman and President Jim McNerney.
With many airlines suffering from financial problems, the 787 could prove to be a solution and lower the operational costs involved with running an airline.
Due to the materials used in construction, carbon fibre rather than aluminium, as well as new engines and aerodynamics, Boeing believe the 787 Dreamliner is about 20% more fuel efficient than similar-sized twin-aisle aircraft flying today.
Passenger comfort on the 787 is also a big selling point, with the industry’s largest windows, higher cabin humidity, cleaner air and more luggage space. All of these features combine to give passengers better onboard enjoyment and allowing them to arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed.
The 787 Dreamliner is an aircraft for the future with over 800 orders, but with their rival, Airbus, following suit with the A350, which one will fly highest?
