Saturday, Boeing unveiled the latest version of its Dreamliner — the 787-9 — and expects the first flight later this summer.
The plane is 20 feet longer, will carry 40 more passengers, and fly an additional 300 miles as compared to the current 787-8 model of the Dreamliner. The 787-8 carries 210 to 250 passengers, while the 787-9 will carry 250 to 290.
Aside from its carbon-composite design, the plane is touted for its fuel efficiency and emissions levels, which Boeing claims are 20 percent less than similarly sized planes. Boeing promotes the aircraft’s passenger enhancements which include: large, dimmable windows, roomy overhead bins, and a smoother ride.
With the second and third versions of the plane in final assembly, Boeing expects the first delivery of a 787-9 to Air New Zealand mid-2014.
“Production remains on track to support the first scheduled customer deliver next year,” Boeing CEO Jim McNerney said of the 787-9 during a second-quarter earnings call.
Source: usatoday.com
