Boeing’s fuel efficient Dreamliner took off on its first commercial flight this morning, carrying ANA passengers from Tokyo to Hong Kong.
The much-delayed flight – three years, to be exact – heralds the beginning of a regular service which will begin in November.
Boeing encountered a series of problems in the creation of the carbon-fibre design Dreamliner, which is 20% more fuel efficient than regular jets, thanks to the materials used in its construction.
But the wait will pay off. Boeing says the “revolutionary†design will make much-needed fuel savings to airlines at a time when jet fuel prices are rocketing. Passengers are also set to benefit – with a much more comfortable ride with better cabin air and large electronically dimmable windows.
ANA will take delivery of a raft of Dreamliners over the next few years and Boeing has declared it will make 10 of the planes a month from 2013.
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by Dinah Hatch
