Yesteryear

10 Years Ago

Boeing rolled out the first 787 Dreamliner in a ceremony in front of 15,000 guests at their Everett, Washington facility on July 8, the world’s first commercial aircraft with a mostly composite material structure. Orders for 677 aircraft from 47 customers have been received. Following completion of the six aircraft flight test program and certification in May 2008 the first delivery will be made to launch customer All Nippon Airways. Hawker de Havilland in Melbourne is the supplier for the 787 wing’s moveable trailing edge ailerons, flaps and fairings.

On July 6 Boeing announced a Qantas order for an additional 20 787-9 Dreamliners plus options. These are converted from 20 787 options lodged in December 2005 with Qantas now topping the 787 order book with 65 firm orders.