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Boeing’s oft-delayed 787 Dreamliner took off on its first flight at approximately 10:27am local time on December 15 (approximately 5:27am December 16 AEDST) from Paine Field, Everett, to begin a three hour long flight test.
The aircraft, ZA001 registered N787BA, was piloted by 787 chief pilot Michael Carriker and engineering pilot Randall Neville, with the flight marking the commencement of a 3100 hour, six aircraft flight test and certification program which should lead to US FAA certification and first customer deliveries in late 2010.
Thousands of Boeing employees and members of the public watched ZA001, accompanied by two Boeing operated T-33 ”T-Bird’ chase planes, take off from Paine Field’s Runway34L under grey skies. The aircraft landed at Boeing Field in Seattle, from where most of the flight test campaign will be conducted, just over three hours later, the flight cut short by two hours due to poor weather.
While airborne ZA001 reached an altitude of 15,000ft and a speed of 180kt, typical figures for a first flight, Boeing said.
“Today is truly a proud and historic day for the global team who has worked tirelessly to design and build the 787 Dreamliner – the first all-new jet airplane of the 21st century,” said Boeing’s vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Scott Fancher. “We look forward to the upcoming flight test program and soon bringing groundbreaking levels of efficiency, technology and passenger comfort to airlines and the flying public.”
Some 56 customers have ordered 840 787s, including locally the Qantas Group, whose low cost subsidiary Jetstar is due to place its first 787, a 787-9, into service in 2013. Qantas has 50 787s on order, half of which are planned for Jetstar.
“On the eve of Christmas it is really pleasing to see the first flight. Our organisation is really pleased to see the reality of it, it sends all the right messages,” said Simon Westaway, head of corporate communications for Jetstar.
Video of the takeoff can be viewed here.
JTF
says:At last – this is defintely a landmark in history. Well Done. Lets hope there order books fill with more orders because of this.. This is defintley a new era in aviation.
Steve
says:Note however that the swept wing under wing engine configuration would be recognised by anyone who saw the Boeing B-47 first take off 60 odd years ago, based as it was on German WW2 design. Boeing’s proposed Sonic Cruiser actually looked like it would break the mold of almost all post-WW2. Like the VW Hitler’s legacy lives on!
Ron
says:“First all-new jet airplane of the 21st Century”?? I think they forgot the A380. Typical Americans.
Jim
says:Merry Christmas Ron, from a typical American. With all due respect to the A380, a magnificent airplane in its own right, there is much more about the 787 that would be considered new, if not “all-new.” Forgive the Americans their proud moment. It’s been a long-time coming with as many obstacles to overcome as the 380. Just looking forward to the day when 787s will be globe-hopping through the same airports as the 380. Each has its niche.