Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the world’s most modern aircraft

Find out more about other major companies in the world of aviationThe Boeing 787 is a passenger aircraft manufactured and developed by the American company Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The aerospace company is a world leader, and in permanent competition with another giant, the European consortium Airbus, with whom it competes for the title of world’s largest manufacturer of commercial and military aircraft.

The B787 made its first test flight on 15 December 2009, entering into commercial service on 26 October 2011. With the “Dreamliner”, as this double-aisle aircraft is known, Boeing started a new era in commercial aviation with the design of the first of a series of next-generation aircraft, where we could place its competitor the Airbus A350, opening the way to a more efficient, beneficial and sustainable future for airlines, passengers and the environment. For all these reasons, the “Dreamliner” has become one of the most popular aircraft among airlines for long-haul routes.

Material and design

This is the first commercial aircraft to be made of 50% composite materials, which are stronger and lighter than aluminium, including carbon fibre to a significant degree. These materials contribute to improved performance by reducing fuel consumption – up to 20% less than other aircraft in their segment – while allowing greater range.
The aircraft is equipped in all its versions with the powerful Rolls Royce GEnx-1B / Trent 1000 engines, reaching a speed of Mach 0.9 (954 km/h at 10,700 m, 35,000 ft) and with a range that, depending on the version, goes from 8,000 Nm. km to 9,400 nm (15,200 km approx). With respect to the acoustic impact for nearby populations, it is 60% lower than other aircraft of similar size.
The design of the Boeing 787 not only introduced composite materials into the manufacturing process of the aircraft, it also introduced advanced solutions, unprecedented until now, aimed at increasing comfort and making flying an extraordinary experience.

Comfort

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner marked a turning point in the concept of onboard comfort and benefits for passengers.
The cabin is equipped with LED lighting designed to prevent eye fatigue on long flights, which can be controlled in intensity at the touch of a button. The intensity and colour of the lighting also varies according to each phase of the flight.
The windows are 30% larger than those of most current aircraft, and thanks to the colours, the design of the dome, and the ceiling lighting – which simulates the blue sky – a greater sense of spaciousness is obtained. The luggage compartments are also larger, and they are mobile and descend to allow the luggage to be placed comfortably.
The advanced cabin pressure system reduces the effect of “altitude sickness”, dizziness and nausea. Combined with 8% more oxygen in the cabin air, higher humidity, and better air filtration, it improves the atmosphere on board and reduces the feeling of tiredness.

This model currently has 3 versions 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 and is used by nearly 70 airlines worldwide, including All Nippon Airways (ANA), AirCanada, United Arilines, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, and British Airways.

If you want to know more about Boing’s history, don’t miss this article here.