Even strict environmentalists can appreciate cheap fares and discount travel packages, but concern over continuing airline pollution remains high. Boeing is ready to address those concerns with its new 787 jetliner.
This plane is supposed to allow all interested parties to win because its Boeings most environmentally designed planned, is more efficient, uses less fuel, cost less to fly and is going to allow travelers to fly for less. Sounds pretty good.
This morning the 787 jet took to the sky in Washington State for its maiden voyage kicking off the extensive flight test program required to obtain the planes Federal Aviation Administration certification.
The 787 is a dramatically different plane for Boeing. It is the first major airplane to be made largely of composite materials. Boeing claims that the new material the plane is made out off will last longer than traditional aluminum planes.
According to Boeing, the aircrafts lighter, faster body will use 20% less fuel than similar airplanes, with passengers being able to enjoy a more comfortable cabin, better air quality, and larger windows.
Delivery of this plane has been delays five times, over two years, due in part to ill fitting parts, more outsourcing of parts than ever before, and a strike last year by Seattle production workers.
Boeing has orders for more than 850 of this plane, which has a list price of about $150 million per plane. 2011 is the earliest the new 787s are planned to begin flying passengers