Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Efficiency through technological innovation is the principle behind the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While the OEM has a diverse range of aircraft, the Dreamliner was designed to be a game changer. According to Boeing, the airplane offers unparalleled performance by reducing operational costs and increasing revenue potential in comparison to similar aircraft. It has a faster cruising speed, increased cargo space and therefore generates more revenue, improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. Put simply, the 787 is designed to deliver a pleasant trip. It has the largest windows of any jet, the air quality is cleaner with high humidity levels to minimize jet lag and a smoother flight thanks to technology that counters the effects of turbulence.

The Dreamliner, a lightweight, two engine wide-body, is most remarkable for the flexibility it offers airlines. As Boeing states, the 787 allows airlines to profitably open new routes according to passenger preferences. This aircraft diverts from the hub-to-hub business model and has permitted the creation of 100 nonstop routes around the world since 2011.

The Boeing 787 has a primary structure made of 50 percent composites of carbon, aluminum and titanium and is powered by two GEnx advanced dual rotor engines developed by Rolls-Royce and GE. Its raked wingtips, laminar flow nacelles and low-drag empennage contribute to lower fuel usage, the most efficient among Boeing’s current fleet and 20-25 percent below that of the model it means to replace, the 767. Boeing states that since 2011, the 787 family saved airlines almost 7 billion pounds of fuel. It reaches Mach 0.85, similar to the fastest twin-aisle airplanes in use.

Three models are available. The smallest, 757-8, has a wingspan of 60.17m and a length of 56.69m and carries up to 242 passengers in a two-class configuration. In the middle, the 787-9 has the same wingspan but almost three more meters in length with a capacity for 290 people in the same configuration. Its largest version will be available in 2018. The 787-10 shares the wingspan length of the 787-9 but measures 68.27m, providing space for 330 passengers.

Since its launch in 2004 with an order from All Nippon Airways, the Dreamliner holds the honor of being Boeing’s fastest-ever selling twin-aisle aircraft. Over 60 customers globally have bet on this airplane, including Aeroméxico, which now owns nine Dreamliner 787-8s. As of Aug. 31, 2016, 1,161 total planes have been ordered and 455 have been delivered.