Dreamliner 'will enable more direct flights'

The launch of Boeing's new eco-friendly 787 Dreamliner aircraft could herald the launch of more direct flights taking off outside of London, according to one expert.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live's Wake Up To Money programme, John Strickland, director of management consultancy JLS Consulting, said that the high sales of the plane could reflect a change in airlines' strategies towards offering more flights from regional hubs.

He added that passengers could soon be able to take a direct flight from Edinburgh to Beijing instead of travelling via London, for example.

"If we think about the problems people are experiencing here in the UK with Heathrow this summer, you can imagine many consumers who are not near London would rather go directly," Mr Strickland commented.

"This plane offers many less seats so it's more adapted to smaller markets, but at the same time it has got the range," he concluded.

The 787 Dreamliner was launched by Boeing last week amid publicity surrounding its green fuel-efficient credentials and capability to make quieter take-offs and landings.

Newspaper the Independent reported yesterday that Virgin Atlantic is set to purchase eight more of the aeroplanes, bringing its total order to 23 Dreamliner aircraft.

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