Boeing Dreamliner completes first flight

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner safely completed its first flight yesterday (December 15th).

The aircraft took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington in front of a crowd of more than 12,000 employees and guests.

After approximately three hours in the air, the 787 landed at Boeing's airfield in Seattle.

The flight marks the beginning of an extensive test period, during which six Dreamliners will fly around the clock to destinations all over the world.

Boeing is set to deliver the first aircraft to a corporate customer in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Scott Fancher, general manager of the 787 programme, said: "Today is truly a proud and historic day for the global team, who has worked tirelessly to design and build the 787 Dreamliner - the first all-new jet airplane of the 21st century.

"We look forward to the upcoming flight test programme and soon bringing groundbreaking levels of efficiency, technology and passenger comfort to airlines and the flying public."

The 787 Dreamliner will use 20 per cent less fuel than today's aircraft of comparable size.

It will be the main competitor for the Airbus A380, which is currently being used by carriers including Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Emirates.

Posted by Merv, 16 December 2009 10:07

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• Qantas
• Emirates
• Singapore Airlines