 (CNN) – Japan's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is finally about to be delivered - three years late. ANA should have taken delivery of the high-tech aircraft in May 2008, before a series of technical problems led to repeated delays. But this is not the first time the Dreamliner has touched down in Japan. Back in July, it landed amid much fanfare at Tokyo's Haneda airport during a week-long test run. It was greeted by reporters, fans and All Nippon Airways staff carrying a “Welcome to Japan” banner. A ripple of applause even broke out as the pilots stepped off the plane, emblazoned with the ANA’s blue and white logo. So what's all the fuss? The biggest impact from the Boeing 787 should come from its range. The first mid-size, long range airplane, it will allow airlines to open up routes where they don’t have the passengers numbers to justify a larger plane like a Boeing 747 or an Airbus A380. “An A380 is only viable with 400-500 people,” says Myles Goeller of aviation consulting group Seabury. “The Dreamliner is fantastic in that it offers very good seat economics in very small aircraft.” Goeller says in theory that means airlines will be able to provide more flexibility, either by bypassing hubs to offer more direct flights, or adding flights to provide more schedule options. ANA has said the first route will be Haneda-Okayama or Haneda-Hiroshima, though it plans to deploy the plane “across its route network.” Changes are in store for passenger comfort. Boeing says passengers will feel more refreshed thanks to the higher humidity and higher cabin pressure on-board the aircraft, helping reduce common frequent flier complaints like dry eyes and headaches. There is no way to verify those claims until the first round of travelers come off long-haul flights. The plane also has bigger windows that can be automatically tinted and bigger overhead compartments. ANA is even installing a bidet-equipped toilet, ever popular in Japan. For a glimpse at ANA’s recently unveiled plans for the interiors, check out their 787 website. |
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Actually after some quick fact verification, an empty 787 is more than twice the size of an empty 737-600. 254,000 lb (115,000 kg) vice 80,200–98,500 lb (36,400–44,700 kg) respectively.
Looks like a standard airplane for me, nothing special..
So I trust the airlines will squish as many people as possible into these planes, ignoring all reasonable comfort levels? You know – assume an average passenger is 5 feet tall and weighs about 140 lbs, so build the seat spacing and legroom for someone that size?
I'm a slim 6" man and I've been on long flights where the passenger room could only be described as barbaric. You know when you have to remove the magazine from the seatback for room that it'll be a nightmare. You know when everyone on your row is touching shoulders that something is wrong. Airlines give you less baggage, poor service, no room, they overbook and missed schedules is standard procedure.
Hopefully they'll learn from the movie industry. About 20 years ago they decided that customer comfort wasn't important and a lot of people quit going to theaters because of it.
A plane that is over 3 years behind schedule! If my New Car arrived OVER 3 years too late i would call it a Nightmare not a Dream. HAS Anyone seen how they solved the major structural problems of this plane. It`s like building a new house only to put Beams in the Center Rooms because it would collapse otherwise. They add all kinds of brackets and equipment so that the wings won`t brake. How is this even legal to fly. It`s sad as well since even with this new Plane our Boeing Company has lost the lead to Airbus. What a nightmare indeed. And i consider myself an optimist.
No, an airliner that gets slightly better gas mileage than previous airliners but essentially flies the same routes over the same distances will not fundamentally change the way we fly. It will at best prolong the way we fly a bit. I'm a huge fan of the 787, but, well, CNN's trolltastic headlines are a bit much, especially when blatantly engaging in 'newsvertising', as it is doing for Boeing here.
There is nothing special about this Jet, it's another in a long line of boring commercial jets that have provided nothing but incremental innovation since the 1960's. 50 years on and they still even look the same ...
It won't change anything. I'm sure the cost of it will out weight any savings in fuel. Likely the air lines will keep the older planes flying until they start falling out of the sky. Then ask for a bailout to buy new planes in ten years.
ah, I just want to be able to actually fly in one of those prototype planes.. it all looks nice and comfy....
Until the airplane companies get their hands on it... it then turns into a cramped mess of tiny seats packed together...
The 787 will change the way we fly? Really? seems to me it does a very passable impersonation of all the other jetliners out there already. In terms of passenger experience, flying times etc nothing has really changed in over 40 years.
A great time to activate a new economic boom for Japan..This will facilitate growth in other sectors of Japan's economy especially foreign direct investments.
Change the way we fly? An american media cheering an american business. Nothing more.
"Boeing says passengers will feel more refreshed thanks to the higher humidity and higher cabin pressure on-board the aircraft, helping reduce common frequent flier complaints like dry eyes and headaches."
As a frequent traveler, this is the part I'm most looking forward to. I hope it can meet this goal.
The "dreamliner" huh? sounds like the same logic that went into the name "pre-owned cars" or "patriot act"
The whole idea of this aircraft stinks. They can say all they want about spaciousness and economy.. but the bottom line is this aircraft has been created for the airline's bottom line. They will still move the seats as close together on the mounting rails, people will be crammed together even worse, meanwhile the airlines will keep prices the same or raise them.
This is not a win at all for the consumer, and there should be not even the slightest bit of fanfare for Boeing,
I'll let them fly it a few years to work out all the bugs before I set foot in one.
A very disappointing plane compared to its original concept design, but this and the A350 should open a plethora of new routes. Us Brits might be able to do Rio, LA, Tokyo, Sydney and the like from Birmingham whilst London might be able to open La Paz, Anchorage, Sapporo etc. Britain's cold. Let the Earth burn in carbon fires I say.
It's nose is "going down"!.
This aircraft has the range to link cities like Boston to Hong Kong, or Montreal to Beijing, at a lower start-up risk to airlines. At the same time, it is an ideal replacement for the 767 but with more flexibility. The upcoming A350 will be even better ( as an ideal replacement to the A330 )
CNN does his job for that it be payed, it degrades Airbus (wich bytheway invented FlybyWire and many more-Techs wich Boeing used too) and makes big commercial for Boeing because its american product so every dumb american thinks wow, we are sooo good noone can reach us.... LOL
The airlines can keep their planes and tiny seats and the TSA. I'll keep my money and spend it elsewhere. Air travel is becoming less and less necessary, as well being no bargain at all, with the improvements in communications technology. They can raise prices and add on fees as they choose. The TSA can grope whomever wishes to volunteer for that sort of treatment. I no longer have a dog in that fight and I've found during the past 8 or 9 years that I've been able to get from A to B quite nicely by spending a lot less money.
What really makes it more attractive and how will it change the way we fly?
Nice interior! I love the atmosphere ambient light and bigger windows. The cockpit looks like something out of SCIFI.
Boeing may have fallen well behind Airbus now, but it's only a matter of time before the Chinese start to compete, even with the Europeans.
What's the difference? The average fat a@# American lard still won't be able to fit into those seats. the seats still look ridiculously small. i'm 5'10 170lbs. slightly 'larger' than average. tack on an additional 50 lbs and that's your avg. american fat a@#. start building planes that will accommodate our large AS#es. also, that toilet is a joke. my fat A@# will slide off that thing. my crap would probably clog that toilet from eating all the red meat and potatoes in my diet.
Give me a Concord over a Boeing 787 or 747, anyday. Why can't Boeing make a Supersonic Transport like the Europeans or even the Russians did. After all we taught the world to fly, and we even landed on the moon and came back . Come on guys get to work. You can do it.
I am impressed by the claim that it will have humidified air and higher cabin pressure. Airplanes keep you from asphyxiating at altitude by taking outside air and pumping it way up in pressure till it's about 80% of ground pressure. Fine to keep you alive but air at 40k feet is almost devoid of moisture. On long flights I feel like I've just walked across the mojave and have to chug water for hours to re-hydrate. But, it seems like these changes, adding humidity and pumping the pressure higher than 80%, are things that could be retro-fitted on any jetliner. The longer range is interesting. If I lived in Seattle and I wanted to fly to Bangkok, I'd have to take a hop to LA or SF and get a jumbo jet from there. Supposedly this thing could take a smaller load of people directly from Seattle to Bangkok and so save the hub hop.
Boeing killed the Sonic Cruiser, a game changing commercial aircraft, and basically substituted a very conventional 757 clone. They are the General Motors of the aircraft companies, no guts, no creativity.
If I travel long distance over water I like 4 engines.
The delay in its launch makes excitement in many people minds. about its make and design it would be the best. And Delays are for its advance technique and its defiantly give the best out of it.
For the airlines this plane is a significant improvement in terms of fuel efficiency and cabin conditions. But, whether the airline will pass on these benefits to the economy class passenger is a big question
Henry Warter CNN does his job for that it be payed, it degrades Airbus (wich bytheway invented FlybyWire and many more-Techs wich Boeing used too) and makes big commercial for Boeing because its american product so every dumb american thinks wow, we are sooo good noone can reach us.... LOL
To Henry, your post made me LOL!! Airbus invented Fly-by-Wire?!? Uh, no, actually the military aircraft (of the good old USA) invented Fly-by-Wire. Please be informed – no technology in a COMMERCIAL aircraft is incorporated that has not been proven in a MILITARY aircraft. And sorry to burst your bubble, but the US military (combat) aircraft industry is second to none. I'll give Airbus credit that they build a nice product in commercial aircraft, can build a good refueling aircraft, a good transport, etc. but don't stretch that to Airbus invented all the technology used by Boeing.
It is a nice plane, but my enthusiasm has somewhat faded away because this thing is already around for ages without ever being finished, and these humidity and window features have also been described in hundreds of PR releases already.
It is more fascinating that Airbus just pulled this Neo out of their hat, and immediately secured 600 orders without much fanfare.
the best yet to come!
Looking at several picture of the aircraft, it looks like a modernized 767: the only things that have changed are the wings (shape) and the fusolage. Maybe flying in it will be different, but so far: not that great.
More of the same old same old. Where are the flying wings? 40% more fuel efficient with the ability to carry 50% more passengers or cargo? They've already been flight tested and proven, but won't be commercially produced because they look different. Style trumps logic once again.
It did make it to Japan
Ya know what would *really* change the way we fly? Cut out the shoe inspections and "random" pat downs and electronic strip-searches. None of which would have caught the 9/11 terrorists – well you can't carry a box-knife anymore – think that would've stopped suicidal religious zealots?
Hmm I would hardly call the 787 a very small aircraft – it's pretty much the same size as a 757 and much larger than a 737. Its main claim to fame is that it's made of plastic.
The 787 has no style? What it looks like is determined by aerodynamics, so yes, all jetliners look pretty much the same because the same aerodynamic constraints apply to all of them. Looks the same as all the others? So what? It is what it is made of that is different and THAT is what's important here – carbon fiber and composites, replacing (a lot of) aluminum, which replaced wood and fabric way back when. Packing people in too tight? That's not Boeing's fault, talk to the bean counters at the airlines. Getting groped by the TSA? Complain to Congress, Boeing just builds the ride and doesn't tell you what you have to do to get on it. No SST? Blame the tree-huggers, there is NO technical reason why it couldn't be built, what stops it is NIMBYism. No Sonic Cruiser? Gorgeous aircraft, but the economics don't support it. Only customers would be Bill Gates, Brin/Page and some Sheiks.(And me, if I could figure out how to make it pay.)
"...change the way we fly.." Change the way WHO flies? The Japanese? In America the airlines will just utilize the 75cm wider cabin to shoehorn in two additional seats per row. It is just another 7×7 folks... nothing spectacular.
cnn doing their best to promote usa's companies
bla bla bla, schadefreude
@ james: I design planes, and what else would they look like? There is a reason that commercial and cargo planes look like giant flying tubes: that shape is the best for capacity, low drag, structural stability, and for a pressure vessel.
Supersonics just aren't cost-effective for passenger jets yet. The failure of the Concorde proved that.
"Boeing says passengers will feel more refreshed thanks to the higher humidity and higher cabin pressure" I'd be a lot more refreshed if I wasn't forced into a seat designed for a 12 year old gymnast!
Kelly: the higher pressure and higher humidity are enabled by the use of composite materials, so these features cannot be retrofitted into older aluminum aircraft.
There IS something special about this jet, this is the first approved and tested plane using mostly composite materials (a very difficult thing to accomplish, especially given that composites are much more flexible).
The reason it was so late was because unlike traditional aluminum and steel aircraft designing a non-conductive plane to take repeated lightning strikes without falling out of the sky is very difficult... in the end I believe they had to add metal strips in key areas to allow for said lightning.
It "looks the same" because aircraft don't get much more aerodynamic than what the 747 pioneered 50 years ago. The key to reducing fuel use nowadays is weight reduction and engine efficiency.
Far to late boeing, Airbus is too far ahead now for you to catch up
This bird is going to be AWESOME!!
Regardless of all the features, the plane still uses TEN TIMES the amount of fuel as a train or bus. (Measured in liters per 100 km per passenger).
Hope they fixed all the thermal and structural problems associated with the 787. I'll wait a few years before boarding this aircraft. I am not a risk taker.
Better late than on time with crash issues.
I see NOTHING in this article that "Changes The Way We Fly". Bogus article & reporting
Airbus did not invent fly-by-wire, it was invented 1975 before it came out on commercial air craft for the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Military aircraft like almost all advances in aerospace. I not sure the F-16 was the first, but it was the first major plane to fly-by-wire.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon
henry warter in no manner did airbus invent fly by wire. perhaps you meant used in a commercial airlane. i do give them credit for first crash during an airshow because of fly by wire. and then firing the chief pilot for not covering up the fact it was a fly by wire problem.
Well written article and I am surprised at all the negative comments posted. Have we as a people become this jaded? Give boeing and the 787 a chance! It is at least a lot more attractive of an aircraft than the A380. Boeing has turned out the finest aircraft in the skies and this will surely be another hit! Hope all the complainers give it a chance.
I have been on this plane as a coach class customer and the only special things that i have noticed were all for Business class and first class and whatever other class they have. Oh, wait, they have bigger LCDs and better entertainment on the head rests, but i would give anything for more leg room or just ROOM!! =*( charge me one hundred extra for that. God i wish i was rich or something so i can experience first class or business class. lol
Stupid article.
What nonsense, time to quit CNN web if this continues.
Hire some decent journalists for goodness sake.
nothing special? you should go to the website. it is something special. it's American.
I like it and can't wait to fly in one.
It'll definitely change the way we crash...
The people of Boeing and their suppliers have worked inhuman hours to make this aircraft fly.
Hats off to those workers.
Hope Boeing learned their lesson about composites.
It's a cool plane and all, but it's not exactly game-changing: more like incremental improvement.
You want a new idea, how about upgrading your outdated SABRE system that works to fill planes on pre-established routes, only getting us to a local maximum. Maybe we should figure out a way to collect people's desired itineraries, then design that day's routes off those itineraries. Kinda like taking a taxi instead of the bus.
Max360–What's wrong with brakes on the wings?
Change the way we fly? I had a bunk in a C-118B (DC-6). Until flights 8 hours or more have a bunk they can cram the trinkets.
I thumbs up this aircraft on its use of space in its interior but I thumbs down it and Boeing for no innovation whats-so-ever in lift or propulsion nothing has been updated if we keep Boeing on government books as who we buy aircraft from we should throw in the towel now and the Chines can wipe us up with it.
where is R&D?
Hell R&D, Wheres the research
Actually, walter17; one of the things that makes it special is that it is not really american. It was the first commercial jet that was almost completely outsourced to other countries. Boeing even had to modify a 747 to open in half so that the big 787 pieces made in Italy, etc could be shipped back to the US where they could be assembled. And when they tried to put them together the pieces didn't fit because apparently the builders couldn't figure out how to convert inches to centimeters. Not to mention the level of workmanship was horrible. So boeing shimmed everything so that it would fit, added braces all over the place so that the wings wouldn't fall off and the plastic plane wouldn't collapse on a hard landing (it still will under anything but the most controlled circumstances), and released it as the craptastic Boeing Dreamliner.
I have been a frequent flyer for 20+ years. There is no way I'll fly in this tub of poo.
rob commented that he has been on this plane as a coach paying customer. HOW when none of these planes are yet in service to the paying public????
You negative people. Give this plane a chance. It has not yet been launched for paying customers and you are bad mouthing it. I can see where Airbus people would be negative, but give this a break. I can't wait until United flies nonstop from Houston to Australia using this plane!!!!! It will cut lots of hours out of flying.
build vacuum tunnels with maglev tech..thousands of mph at extremely low cost
Does anyone else find it pathetic that the ANA site touting all the advances in the new plane is ridden with spelling errors?
Wow! I didn't know so many people who are commenting were engineers who worked for Boeing!
Now if you got past that bit of extreme sarcasm, then pay attention. Unless you are qualified to make economic or engineering conclusions about aircraft, don't make such statements. If I wanted to hear unsubstantiated garbage I would go read yahoo answers
It's not going to be any different for the coach passenger. The author sounds like the same one who gushed about the 747 and the piano bar. The airlines will soon push for a modification and make the windows smaller to squeeze even more people in coach.
Big deal, we'll still be packed in like sardines. Seats too narrow and no leg room and when the guy in front of you reclines, he'll be in your lap.
It sure is late, but it's a completely new type of aircraft and is really efficient. Hats off to Boeing.
I don't know how I feel about a public bidet.
The ceramic structure will eventually crack
I'm a big fan of the Boeing 777. Looking forward to seeing them top that aircraft!
To the ignorant naysayers who complain that "nothing's different", what are you expecting, a flying saucer? A commercial jet is basically a flying bus, so aside from all the "technology" (fly-by-wire, sophisticated avionics, etc.), all you can really do is tweak the efficiency, range, and capacity for better "economics". By all accounts, the 787 is a superb balance of all 3 factors, and specifically targeted at several under-served markets. Unfortunately it's arriving late to those markets, but this will not affect its wide impact.
The problem is that this aircraft is not being built like most other planes are; they aren't building it in one piece and in layers, this is a composite. There are different companies subcontracting with boeing to construct its many parts, these parts are being fitted together by boeing. Not only is boeing handicapped by their profound abilities in the way of mismanagement, but the subcontractors are even worse. This is highly indicative of the aeronautic industry's inability to manage themselves in an efficient manner. To be frank, most aerospace engineers are the laziest human beings on the planet, devoid of the drive that the industry one had for innovation and love of their work. All of these years of indiscriminate government spanning on defense has created a sort of upper class welfare system of sniffling little children who simply don't want to work. While boeing is of course a private sector for aircraft manufacturing, government spending is what has created this sense of "entitlement for no work done" mentality. They want to show up, mess around all day, eat, do about 10 minutes of actual work and then go home. My dad has been putting up with this kind of crap for the last 20+ years and it is nauseating. And they all make sure they stay for overtime whenever possible, doing nothing and still cashing in.
Baruch Atta:
Which train do I catch to go from San Francisco to Hong Kong?
Of course the prototype looks very nice...then when it goes into actual service, the airlines will cram in scores more seats than it can humanely hold. We'll see lots of ads trumpeting new innovations in customer comfort - for first and business class. The rest of the plane would be in violation of the Geneva Convention if it were a prison.
Don't know why people complain about the airlines so much... I can fly from Portland to the East Coast for what it cost me 25 years ago (minus the in-flight meal). I think it's just great when I can get on a morning flight at PDX, and be in Boston in time for Happy Hour! (Though I miss the $50 intermediate stop-over that United used to offer on a round trip.)
oh come on typical amerikan lies, China is making better planes. This is no up grade plane, same thing with fancy wings
and much more money.
What makes this plane a game changer is the weight. The composite materials used to construct it are significantly lighter than traditional aluminum/metals used on previous aircraft. At small airports with shorter and lighter runways where a 737 is the largest plane that can land, the 787 would now be able to land carrying about a 767's load of passengers. More point-to-point travel and fewer connections become much more feasible with the 787. Given airline pricing, I find non-stops are generally more expensive than connections in the domestic U.S. So, 787 will likely carry higher paying customers point to point allowing more leisure travelers on the connecting network.
It may look like almost any commercial airplane, but it is actually like none before it. Those making negative comments about it have no idea what they are talking about and don't recognize American innovation when it is slapping them in the face. For example: It is the first commericial airliner to be made mostly of carbon fiber (vs. riveted aluminum). It is the most fuel efficient commercial airliner ever produced (20% more efficient than a comparable size 767). As stated in the article, the combination of extended range and fuel efficiency will make this plane a game changer and expand direct flights to more and smaller markets (saving travelers a considerable amount of layover/connection time and save the airlines a significant amount in fuel and fees).
A quick comment on
"Boeing says passengers will feel more refreshed thanks to the higher humidity and higher cabin pressure"
The air circulated on today's typical passenger jet consists of about 4% relative humidity, which cannot be encounter anywhere on Earth, with the exception of a few deserts and even that is abnormal. For example, Chicago has only recorded below 10% humidity 3 times in the history of weather observations! The materials used to design the 787 will allow for 16% and greater, which may not sound like much...but it's surely welcome.
As for cabin pressure, they're set at 6,000ft above sea-level now, and again the stronger composite will allow for a lower cabin pressure altitude- therefore a higher pressure, since pressure decreases as you ascend.
Have you seen the new "cargo-class" airpnate seats? Now that's really going to change the way we fly. I just don't believe that they'll only be used on <3 hour flights. Get ready to stand for 14 hours straight.
Ilya
A beautiful airship, congrats to Boeing, but where is the BWB?
Wow... look at all the comments from my ignorant countrymen.
What else did you expect from a country where less than 30% of the population actually has a passport?
@imran khada
oh come on typical amerikan lies, China is making better planes. This is no up grade plane, same thing with fancy wings
and much more money.
Hilarious... and just what planes is China making? Last I heard they were still ordering both Boeing and Airbus jets... unless of course you count that ridiculous copy of the F-22 they made... it's about as stealth as a mullet in a walmart.
“The Dreamliner is fantastic in that it offers very good seat economics in very small aircraft.”
Translation: We can cram even more cattle into the car for maximum profit.
y they even call a dream line i dont c anything new same as an old plane....it look bigger.. i wonder can the fare price cheaper on this plane 787 half the price....
alrite thanks to boeing now my plane ticket will b cheaper so i can fly more
They're adding humidity to an already uncomfortable flight?... Great... I bet they charge more for it too...
Every technology in this plane was already available over 25 yrs ago. Military is proof of that. Yet the civilian industry only gets it now. Suppose how much fuel and pollution would've been saved had these things come out a 15yrs earlier. I guess practicality get less priority than the need to destroy.
hello, so what's changed really???
Unfortunately, US airlines have done a fantastic job of utterly destroying anything good, refreshing, or exciting about air travel. Tight seats, charge-for-everything, rude service, and constant delays won't be cured by this engineering marvel.
Based on this article heading and information, I should stop reading CNN.com
Folks, Do not get your hopes high. It is a great plane with lots of technological breakthroughs. But, it will not make any difference to the economy class passenger, except may be the air in the cabin will be (only just) perceptibly better. The technology improvements in the plane will no doubt make the airlines happy and result in better economics. But, none of such savings will be passed on to the customer. Coach class seats will be as cramped as ever. Those good old days when flying was a special experience with gourmet meals and service will not come back.
Um, just another plane, nothing special, I doubt there will be any change at all. Will there be free food and drinks, not likely.
Lazy article. How about something original next time from someone who knows something about aviation?
So, what I see here in the reader postings are mostly American bashing, the new hobby of the 2000's. Very sad...
Nice design looking very much like the French Caravelle of the 1950S.
It is a fundamentally new aircraft. It looks similar to others because of, could it be . . . aerodynamics?!!
Light, strong, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, instead of metal. Doesn't corrode or fatigue. Now we can make the inside air pressure higher and add more moisture to the air inside. Less weight means more miles per gallon. Have you seen the price of fuel lately?
Advanced avionics (aviation electronics).
It changes the way we fly because it will now provide service to places not previously economical to serve, so more people can travel by air, improving commerce and 'shrinking' the globe.
Its manufacturing was a learning experience. So much for outsourcing around the globe. Producers outside the Boeing factories couldn't meet schedules or quality requirements, and some of their work had to be done over by Boeing, to make the plane fit together. It may not be perfect, but it's pretty hard to beat American Boeing manufacturing quality. Like many have said, 'if it's not Boeing, I'm not going.'
But, it would be nice if the CNN article were written by someone who knows aviation. It is not that big a deal to go to your local community college and earn a private pilot certificate. You'd be amazed what you learn.
For me I like the 787 Dreamliner but I am more of a Concorde SST and an A380 fan .
NEO, that's why your a blog troll and not an engineer
tommy, mommy needs to work with you on your grammar and conjugation(oh sorry, sentence structure)
"an engineer" you are spot on.....the ignorance here is why America is falling behind............
Don't like flying commercial? Get your pilots license and go buy a Corvalis for all the traveling freedom you need. Solves those tight seat issues real nice too! And no checked luggage fees!
The only way it is going to change t he way I fly is if it will get me there FASTER and with more LEG ROOM!
This is all about increasing airline income, it isn't going to change things for me. This refreshes part of the size range, it is a more economical and longer range 767. The A350 refreshes the 777/747 segment. The A380 targets the big routes, like ORD and JFK to London which don't have spare slots and run mostly full. The way the economy is going Boeing may win the bet, it just might be that we won't have the money and fuel for a great many people to fly. But if typical industry predictions are correct then the A350 and A380 are going to be what you see most of in the coming decade.
so the one thing this person failed to mention was COMFORT of the SEAT!!! HELLO!
who give arats ass about bigger window if you in a cramped seat. I am 6'2" and again the most important thing ona plane- seat confort is not mentioned. clueless writing/reporting
someone here states that China makes better Airplanes -
well after 8 years in China in the Aviation branch – they only now start producing an Airplane with foreign help.
bottom line, alone they can not even alone produce a decent 2 wheeler.
@Max360. I have seen the tests. In fact I've got pictures of the wings being bent to 150% of tolerance and not snapping. It's "break" not "brake" maybe I should take that as a clue to the person behind the keyboard though...
Note: These are not my pictures, just a site; but I do have some.
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/boeing-787-passes-incredible-wing-flex-test/
To all of you who post that the 787 is just another plane....you truly have no idea what you are talking about. To those who seem to think we need another Concorde...wake up...it's not viable and likely never will be. The 787 is the right plane for the right time. It might be 3 years late, but I will be at the front of the line to fly when Air Canada gets their first 787s in a year or two.
Incremental change? Just another airplane? Really???? Economics will include approximately 20% per seat operational savings over comparable size planes. Longer haul flights without requiring the much more expensive larger jets, allowing more point-to-point travel, saving airlines millions per year. A composite tube along with other sub-structures requiring much less maintenance and no worry or metal fatigue in many critical areas. Compare the delay to a car? Obviously, that responder never took an engineering course. And most important for us travellers is the fact the composite body will aloow pressure improvements and humidity increases, thereby, allowing for a much more comfortable flight. Do some homework people.
"provide more flexibility, either by bypassing hubs to offer more direct flights, Changes are in store for passenger comfort. Boeing says passengers will feel more refreshed thanks to the higher humidity"
Give me a break lady. The hub will continue and the humidy/pressure thing is over-hyped. It's more room that will make passengers more comfortable and it ain't going to happen. Grow up. I am still looking for my piano bar on 747's.
OH, enjoy those big windows...they will not last.
I wonder if there's more room to boff in the bathrooms.
"Boeing says passengers will feel more refreshed thanks to the higher humidity and higher cabin pressure on-board the aircraft, helping reduce common frequent flier complaints like dry eyes and headaches."
This technology has been an option on jet airliners for 30 years and the airlines either didn't include it or disconnected it to reduce maintenance costs. What makes anyone think it will be different this time? As soon as the airlines get their hands on it they will make the application with the FAA to remove the equipment as a maintenance cost-savings measure.
That is a lot of people to load and unload off a plane.
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