Boeing Co Boeing Co. unveiled its lightweight, carbon-composite 787 Dreamliner on Sunday in front of 15,000 cheering employees, customers and suppliers, capping a weekend of hype and a flurry of orders for the new fuel-efficient plane. As well a world premiere broadcast the ceremony worldwide on satellite television.
The 787 is a family of airplanes in the 200- to 300-seat class that will carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers). The 787 will allow airlines to offer passengers more of what they want: affordable, comfortable, nonstop, point-to-point travel to more destinations around the world.
In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will fly at Mach 0.85, as fast as today's fastest commercial airplanes, while using much less fuel.
Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting.
Air Berlin, based in Berlin, Germany, is Europe's third largest low-fare carrier, announced an order for 25 787-8 airplanes valued at $4 billion at list prices. Last year Air Berlin purchased German carrier dba as part of its growth plan.
Other important carriers as Quantas, Continental, Air Canada, Aeromexico, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Japan Airlines between others has ordered the new Dreamliner.
Around 50 customers have ordered 700 787s, making it the most successful launch of a commercial airplane in Boeing history.
