Boeing's stunning 787 to fly in Japan soon

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is finally set for commercial operations after nearly three years of production delays.

The Boeing 787-8, which costs $185.2 million is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner.

Boeing's much-awaited dreamliner will launch its first commercial flight during August-September in Japan.

Photographs, courtesy: Boeing Photo

The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210- 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250- 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers).

Boeing states that it is the company's most fuel-efficient airliner and the world's first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction. Airlines can save on operational costs, says Boeing.

Carbon fibre composites have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than traditional aircraft materials, and help make the 787 a lighter aircraft.

The 787 consumes 20 per cent less fuel than the Boeing 767. It will offer more comfort and convenience to passengers.

The 787's cabin windows are larger in area offering a better view of the horizon. The smart windows with auto-dimming facility instead of shades reduces cabin glare.

The cabin lighting uses light-emitting diode (LED) in three colors instead of fluorescent tubes, reducing the heat inside the flight.

A higher cabin pressure is possible with the use of composite materials.

Cabin air is provided by electrically driven compressors. An advanced cabin air-conditioning system provides better air quality.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner made its 1,000th flight in February this year, marking another milestone in the flight test program.

There are seven airplanes participating in flight testing. The flights have almost completed 3,000 flying hours and 787s have flown a total of more than one million miles.

Meanwhile, Boeing has received 835 orders for the plane from 56 customers.

On Thursday, Boeing and Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways. decided to work together to help prove the 787 Dreamliner's readiness to enter service on a commercial basis.

Using the second flight test aircraft, known as ZA002, they will simulate in-service operations across several airports in Japan in a service ready operational validation. The validation is expected to take place on July 4.

The flight will be between between Haneda Airport in Tokyo and airports in Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Okayama and Hiroshima.

This will be the 787's maiden appearance in Japan. ANA is the launch customer for the aircraft. The 787, will be deployed across the ANA route network.

ANA's maintenance crew will practice maintenance and servicing of the 787 during the validation.

This will include typical ground servicing activities, fitness checks of airplane jacks and maintenance hangar stands, towing and refueling the airplane, and other routine maintenance operations.

Boeing also invites customers to Dreamliner gallery to configure the interiors according to their preferences. They can choose the interiors and entertainment options as well.

Customers can choose colors and materials for the seats, floor and wall coverings and curtains to create a personalised cabin appearance.