The Australian Aviation Galleries: The 787 Dreamliner

The 787 Dreamliner is Boeing’s flagship widebody aircraft, and its most successful in recent years, with almost 1,500 orders placed. The first was delivered to the Japanese airline ANA (All Nippon Airways) on September 25, 2011, after years of delays. Qantas has a fleet of 12, with two more set to arrive by June.

One of the most striking features of the Boeing 787 is its use of advanced composite materials, which make up 50% of the primary structure of the plane. These materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, make the plane much lighter than traditional aircraft and allow it to use up to 20% less fuel than previous models. Additionally, the Dreamliner’s engines are designed to be more fuel-efficient and produce less noise, making it a more environmentally friendly option for air travel.

The interior of the Boeing 787 is also designed with passenger comfort in mind. The cabin features larger windows, allowing for more natural light to enter the plane and creating a more open and spacious feel. The cabin air system is also designed to maintain a higher humidity level, reducing the discomfort of dry air during long flights. The Dreamliner’s seats are also designed to be more comfortable, with adjustable headrests and improved legroom.

In terms of performance, the Boeing 787 is capable of flying longer distances than most other commercial airplanes, with a range of up to nearly 12,000km. Qantas used one of its fleet, VH-ZNJ, to fly direct from London to Sydney, in a test for its plan to do it permanently with a  ‘Project Sunrise’ fleet of A350-1000s.