Qantas’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has been rolled out from the paintshop ahead of making its first flight later this week.
The aircraft, which wears the airline’s new colour scheme and the registration VH-ZNA (but no sign of its Australian-inspired name), emerged from the paintshop at Boeing’s Everett facility early Wednesday morning US time.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today. A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
Already a member?
Login here
PRINT + DIGITAL
$99.95
FOR 1 YEAR
subscribe
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our Australian Aviation app
Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
Daily news updates via our email bulletin
PRINT
$49.95
FOR 1 YEAR
subscribe
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our Australian Aviation app
PRINT + DIGITAL
$99.95
FOR 1 YEAR
subscribe
Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
Access to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our Australian Aviation app
Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
Daily news updates via our email bulletin
DIGITAL
$59.95
FOR 1 YEAR
Save 16% off monthly price
subscribe
Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
Access to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly digital magazines
Access to In Focus reports via our app
Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Qantas says the aircraft took four days to paint using more than 250 litres of paint.
“During the next few days, further tests will be conducted on the aircraft engines, electrical systems and other components before it takes to the skies later this week for Boeing flight certifications,” Qantas said on Thursday morning.
“Qantas pilots will get the opportunity to fly the aircraft on subsequent flights as part of the final acceptance next month.”
VH-ZNA is due to arrive in Sydney at the end of its delivery flight on Friday October 20.
The aircraft, the first of eight on firm order, will first enter service on the Qantas domestic network while the airline gains experience operating the aircraft before it used on Melbourne-Los Angeles flights in December. Nonstop Perth-London flights begin next March.
iscover
Fabian
says:Lol I just saw it. I just had a Boeing factory tour and I saw this beautiful aircraft on the Tarmac. I recommend this Boeing factory tour guys.
Craig
says:Given the name dreamliner, surely the first one will be dreamtime
random
says:How will crewing work on B787? Is it similar to A330-300 for Qantas, or does the longer sector lengths necessitate a different crew mix?
AusAvn – any ideas?
Daniel
says:Looks good! She’s also missing the red roo’s on the engines. Can’t wait to see her in Sydney – if only for the test flights before they get relocated to MEL/BNE.
PAUL
says:Fabulous!
Lechuga
says:Looks good
Patrickk
says:Random,
I think you will find (for the 14-18 hour sectors) they have four pilots on board for two complete shifts, with the cabin crew all on deck for the two meal services (after takeoff and before landing) and then a rostered rest period where half are on duty and half are resting for the rest of the flight. Somebody may correct me but this is how I understand it works. Pilot beds are above business class at the front and crew beds are above economy at the back.
random
says:@Partrick
4 pilots? No second officers?
Patrickk
says:Random by the term pilot I mean those flying: I have no idea of the breakdown between Captain, first officer, and second officer. I presume at least one of each in the first two categories and the other two I am not sure. Maybe another first officer and a second officer. I note some airlines have designated crews for cruise (to save money), but I expect QF would not do that.
Bill
says:Very sexy
What clean lines, well done QANTAS
Roll on the 797
Anton Gavin
says:An absolute gem!! I’m hoping that one day I’ll get a chance to fly in it!!
matty
says:nice!!
AlanH
says:I dunno! I still can’t warm to the armless roo on the tail! Change for change sake … was it really needed? The B787-9s look too small for long haul flights. Just a visual anomaly really. They would be very accommodating inside no doubt. But against a B777-300 they look like a regional jobbie! I need to see one parked beside a JetStar B787-8 I guess to appreciate the added length.
Ben
says:Alan size wise it is much smaller than a 777, the 787 is more like a 767 in terms of size. But it is the range that sets it apart from the 767 and places it up there with the 777.
When it comes to larger capacity and similar range look towards the planned new model 777 and. A350 models.
Tim A
says:It’s going to be a wonderful ride for all passengers and crew. Not bigger, just better.
Andrew Ferguson
says:Just noticed on the Boeing 787 Delivery schedule t\that the 16th and 17th 787 Airframe deliveries to the QANTAS group have ben announced.
The 16th (VH-ZNE) will be delivered on the 6th July 2018 with the 17th (VH-ZNF) Arriving on 22nd August 2018. As I recall both of these are due to be based in Brisbane.
Gary
says:Andrew – fat finger typing? 16th and 17th B7879?
Gary
says:Andrew – Apologies for my comment. I have just realised you mentioned the Qantas Group not Qantas.
Max
says:It was such a great idea to include a roundel of the old QF flying kangaroo symbol, with wing attached, near
the nose of the new Dreamliner.
In fact, why not go the whole way and put the wing back on the Roo on the tail as well.
It was always a wonderful and elegant design and bringing the winged Roo back would be a fantastic recognition of Qantas” superior airline history by simply restoring an iconic symbol to its rightful place on the aircraft of our national carrier
Oscar
says:@Daniel, the engines won’t have any branding on them as I believe they will be shared with the Jetstar 787s. Less maintenance cost / less engines to buy across the fleet but means that they might look a bit funny being plain white on the silver Jetstar planes!
David
says:I was wondering why the A330 & 737’s have flying kangaroo logo’s. on the engine covers, not 787’s?
Kim
says:At least they’re not painting a picture of Alan Joyce on the tail, as some Norwegian Airline is wont to do!
Matt
says:Finally QANTAS, the dream of the ‘Dream Liner’ is becoming a reality.
Exciting times ahead !
Richard
says:Oscar, are you sure about interchanging engines between the Jetstar 787-8s and the Qantas 787-9s? I suspect the 787-9 engines will be more powerful to cope with the increased weight and length of the 787-9, and therefore not interchangeable with those on the 787-8.
Grant
says:Winged roo on nose looks great, put wings back on tail roo.
David Fix
says:What a fantastic aeroplane i love that new livery
Veejette
says:Super smart looking aircraft!
Wonder what its’ name will be?
Craig Boden
says:I was impressed with the comfort, quietness and facilities flying a VN 787-9 in PE last week. With QF’s superior food and service, it should be a winner!
Dave
says:Richard, the engine are probably fully interchangeable with different thrust ratings available with nothing more than a data plug on the fadec and a change of the rating on the data plate with an engraver. This is nothing new and has been around for the last 20ish years. That’s one of the great features of modern engines.
Craigy
says:@Veejette
Surely it will be named Dreamtime
Horatio
says:Shame about the nine across seating, nothing revolutionary about that.
17 hours on a 17″ seat? Forget it.
Thies
says:Forget about the “Castles in the Air” vision of the late 60s. Those in a hurry were destined for SST planes such as Concorde (or 2707) and all other travellers could look forward to Mini Shopping Malls and Fast Food Outlets on board. Cruising to your destination.
As smart as the 787 looks, it is a step back to the smaller tube fuselage close to the 707 and DC 8. Just with fewer stops. Let’s hope the advantage will not be erased by frequent diversions to accommodate medical emergencies arising from the seating conditions.
Richard
says:Thank you Dave for your informative reply re the ability to exchange engines between Jetstar 787-8s and the forthcoming Qantas 787-9s.