Dreamliner makes ME debut in Dubai

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor military transport aircraft, will also make its Middle East debut on the first day of the show amid a range of exciting products and services Boeing is showcasing at the week-long air show.

Dubai is a prominent world venue to showcase the innovations of Dreamliner, Boeing Middle East president Jeffrey Johnson told reporters at a news conference in Dubai on Saturday.

The 787 programme was launched in April 2004 with a record order from All-Nippon Airways. Since that time, 57 customers from six continents of the world have placed orders for 827 airplanes valued at about $162 billion, making it the most successful twin-aisle launch of a new commercial airplane in Boeing’s history, according to the planemaker. The 787 programme opened its final assembly plant in Everett in May 2007. First flight of the 787 Dreamliner occurred on December 15, 2009.

After the conference, Boeing opened the door of the 787 Dreamliner, parked at Dubai International Airport, for media persons. Pilots available at the aircraft shared their experiences with reporters onboard. The aircraft was originally used for flight-testing, but has been elegantly refurbished to showcase the standard capabilities and features of the Dreamliner.

Responding to the overwhelming preference of airlines around the world, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ launched the 787 Dreamliner, a super-efficient airplane. An international team of top aerospace companies is building the airplane, led by Boeing at its Everett, Wash facility near Seattle.

More than 50 of the world’s most capable top-tier supplier partners are working with Boeing to bring innovation and expertise to the 787 programme. The suppliers have been involved since the early detailed design phase of the programme and all are connected virtually at 135 sites around the world.

The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210-250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometres), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250-290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometres).

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane uses 20 per cent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes. It will also travel at a similar speed as today’s fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity.

Passengers will also see improvements on the 787 Dreamliner, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com