Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes Much-Awaited Test Flight

Boeing 787 Dreamliner - photo credit: Boeing After two years of delays, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing’s first entirely new jet in almost 15 years, has finally made its first test flight this afternoon.

With its innovative design composed of mostly lightweight composite materials, Boeing claims it can cut fuel costs by as much as 20 percent.

Keep reading to learn more about the 787 Dreamliner and when it might be ready for passengers …

The airliner made its scheduled takeoff from Everett’s Paine Field and is set to land at Boeing Field in Seattle later this afternoon.

Boeing claims that their latest design will be cleaner, more efficient and produce fewer emissions. For passengers, a more fuel efficient plane could mean cheaper flights—at least in theory.

Get Peter’s take with The Travel Detective on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Free Wi-Fi, and America’s Most Expensive Airports

Designers also made some changes to the cabin that they hope will make passengers more comfortable. According to Boeing, the 787’s cabin will be quieter while boasting larger windows and better air quality.

The 787 was originally supposed to make its test flight in 2007, but strikes, funding problems and on-ground tests have delayed the flight until today.

The aircraft will likely be subject to at least a year of extensive testing because of these previous delays and its unique design.

If all the testing goes according to plan, Boeing says it could deliver the first planes at the end of 2010, making it available for passengers to start boarding sometime in 2011.

By Dan Bence for PeterGreenberg.com.

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