A new era in air travel begins with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Departing from a crowd of over 12,000 employees and guests at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner marks the beginning of a flight test program that will see six airplanes flying nearly around the clock and around the globe, with the airplane’s first delivery scheduled for fourth quarter 2010.

The technologically-advanced 787 uses 20 percent less fuel than today’s airplanes of comparable size, while providing airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and present passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

Another industry breakthrough on the aircraft is its lightweight quiet nacelle and thrust reverser system including its actuation system. A deeper-than-normal lip skin at the front of the nacelle greatly reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. A one-piece acoustic inner liner significantly reduces engine noise, both in the passenger cabin and airport neighborhoods.

“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,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We look forward to the upcoming flight test program and soon bringing groundbreaking levels of efficiency, technology and passenger comfort to airlines and the flying public.”

The 787 is also equipped with Goodrich-provided air data sensors, ice detectors, engine data concentrators, fuel management software and the fuel quantity indicating system.

In addition, Goodrich provides the aircraft’s proximity-sensing system as well as the integrated fuel system for the auxiliary power unit.

Other Goodrich products on board the new jet include an innovative cargo operating system; cabin attendant seating; exterior and flight deck lighting systems; integrated heated composite floor panels; and a unique flight deck entry video surveillance system designed to interface with the aircraft’s electronic flight bag system.

The aircraft will be joined in the flight test program in the coming weeks and months by five other 787s, including two that will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines.

Taking flight into the future

After a flight time of approximately three hours, the Dreamliner landed at 1:33 p.m. at Seattle’s Boeing Field.

Capts. Carriker and Neville took the airplane to an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) and an air speed of 180 knots, or about 207 miles (333 kilometers) per hour, customary on a first flight, while testing some of the airplane’s systems and structures, as on-board equipment recorded and transmitted real-time data to a flight-test team at Boeing Field.

Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 787s, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

“The Dreamliner is going to be a tremendous addition to our fleet, providing our customers with a better travel experience in the cabin and new technology that reduces our impact on the environment, increases fuel efficiency and provides cost savings,” said John Tague, president of United Airlines. “This is a great day, and we congratulate Boeing on the success of the test flight and look forward to our continued partnership with them and continued success as they bring the aircraft online.”

United recently announced it was purchasing 50 next-generation widebody aircraft, including 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.