TOKYO October 26, 2011 - All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest airline, made aviation history today by operating the first ever passenger flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the world’s most advanced airliner.
The specially chartered flight took off from Narita Airport, Tokyo, with more than 240 passengers of board just after midday and landed four hours and a half later in Hong Kong.
Built mainly from carbon fiber composite material, the Dreamliner raises the bar for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The 787 uses 20% less fuel, meaning it is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes while cutting carbon emissions.
The Dreamliner’s other innovation include:
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Passenger-friendly cabin air pressure - Passenger comfort will be improved by maintaining air pressure inside the cabin at the equivalent of an altitude of 6,000 feet (1,800m), noticeably lower than the 8,000 feet (2,400m) maintained on conventional aircraft. The plane’s composite materials also allow for humidity to be maintained at a more comfortable level for passengers. |
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Auto-dimming windows - The 787’s windows are 30% larger than those on the Boeing 767. A higher eye level means passengers can maintain a view of the horizon throughout the flight while smart glass “auto-dimming” windows use electro-chromatic technology to reduce cabin glare at a touch of a button while allowing passengers to still see outside. |
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Largest overhead compartments yet - approximately 30% larger than those on the Boeing 777, the overhead compartments are the largest in the industry and have enough space to hold four large-size carry-on bags. |
The 787 Dreamliner has strong links with Japan, with Japanese manufacturers providing approximately 35% of all the aircraft parts, including key sections of the wings and fuselage.
ANA has ordered 55 Dreamliners from Boeing and has already received two planes, with a total of 20 expected to be delivered by the end of FY2012. The Dreamliners will eventually help ANA save ¥10 billion a year (US$130m) through fuel savings.
Scheduled services featuring the Dreamliner will begin on 1 November to domestic Japanese destinations and international services on ANA will commence in the following two months with flights initially to Beijing and Frankfurt.
Before boarding the inaugural flight, Chief Executive and President of ANA, Shinichiro Ito said:
“ANA is proud to be the world’s first airline to fly the 787 Dreamliner.
“This revolutionary new aircraft will transform air travel for passengers and help ANA in its strategic goal of becoming Asia’s number one airline.
“The innovative design features of the 787 Dreamliner, many pioneered here in Japan, will benefit passengers, airlines and the environment alike. As the aircraft’s launch customer, ANA was honored to work alongside Boeing in the development of the 787 Dreamliner and we are now looking forward to introducing more of these fantastic aircraft across our network.”
Accompanying Mr. Ito on the flight were executives from ANA and Boeing, Hong Kong airport official, media and specially invited ANA customers. A premium package tour including Business Class flights were sold in online charity auctions, with one passenger paying more than US$30,000 for the privilege of being on board. All profits from the auction were donated to Conservation International (http://www.conservation.org/sites/japan/) and OISCA (http://www.oisca.org/).
Two domestic excursion flights, departing and landing at Narita and lasting approximately an hour, are also planned following the flight to Hong Kong to allow more ANA customers to experience the increased level of comfort resulting from the plane’s innovative features.
ENDS
ANA and the 787 Dreamliner - the story so far:
| April, 2004: |
ANA becomes launch customer for the 787 Dreamliner with an initial order for 50 aircraft (later increased to 55) |
| Oct, 2004: |
ANA selects Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine to power 787 Dreamliner fleet |
| June, 2009: |
Assembly begins in Seattle of first ANA787 Dreamliner |
| May, 2010: |
ANA pilots become first customer crew to fly the 787 Dreamliner |
| April, 2011: |
ANA begins pilot training on 787 |
| June, 2011: |
Cabin design unveiled for ANA’s Dreamliner fleet |
| July, 2011: |
Boeing and ANA complete operation validation of 787 in Japan |
| August, 2011: |
First delivery 787 rolls out of Boeing hangar in ANA colors and livery |
| Sept, 2011: |
Boeing hands over first Dreamliner to ANA in Seattle |
| Oct, 2011: |
World’s first passenger flight of Dreamliner |
The next chapter:
| October 26-27, 2011 |
First commercial flight, Narita-Hong Kong |
| October 28 and 29, 2011 |
Excursion flights departing from and landing in Narita |
| November 1, 2011 |
First regular domestic flight, Haneda-Okayama
Haneda-Hiroshima service to start on the same day |
| December 2011 |
First regular international flight, Haneda-Beijing |
| January 21, 2012 |
First long-haul international flight, Haneda-Frankfurt |
| By end of fiscal 2012 |
Regular domestic flights Haneda-Itami,
Haneda-Yamaguchi Ube, and Haneda-Matsuyama |
Further information about ANA’s role as the launch customer of the ANA Dreamliner can be found at: http://www.ana.co.jp/promotion/b787/en/
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