Boeing’s ‘greener’ 787 is finally delivered to first customer
Green transport news by GreenWise staff
26th September 2011
The first delivery of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which promises to cut fuel consumption by 20 per cent, will take place this week, three years behind schedule.
Boeing announced yesterday that it had signed contracts with
All Nippon Airways (ANA) to deliver the first
787 Dreamliner to the Japanese airline.
The aircraft’s lightweight carbon composite
design, advanced aerodynamics and modern engines all help to make the aircraft more fuel efficient and cheaper to run, Boeing said in a release.
The programme costs of the 787, which is three years behind schedule, however, are reported to have topped $32 billion (£20.6 billion), raising questions over Boeing’s ability to turn the jet into a profitable aircraft. Boeing has taken orders for 821 of the £200 million 787.
"Now that the airplane is ready to deliver, the entire team is ready to celebrate," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 programme.
Long-range routes
The Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes, which Boeing said would enable airlines to open "new, non-stop routes". The jet is going up against the Airbus A350, which is expected to be completed in 2013.
Green innovations
Aside from greater fuel efficiency, the jet’s other green innovations include LED lighting. The plane also boasts larger windows with electrochromic shades and bigger onboard luggage bins.
The airplane will make its maiden voyage tomorrow after a delivery ceremony for ANA today in Everett, Washington.
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