Although no airline in the Philippines uses it, the Boeing 787 is an impressive plane that aviation enthusiasts love to catch when they see it at our airports. Airlines such as Etihad, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and Japan Airlines use 787s for their Manila flights. Despite not seeing a Boeing 787 Dreamliner wearing the colors of one of our local airlines, let’s discuss this technological marvel.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been making waves in the aviation industry since its introduction in 2011. This wide-body jet airliner is a product of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and was developed with a focus on efficiency after the company dropped its unconventional Sonic Cruiser project. The 7E7 program was launched in 2004, with All Nippon Airways (ANA) placing an order for 50 aircraft and a target introduction date of 2008.
What is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, wide-body airliner that was designed to provide a more fuel-efficient, comfortable and environmentally-friendly flying experience. It features a composite airframe, new electrical systems, and advanced aerodynamics, making it one of the most technologically advanced commercial airplanes in the world.
The 787 family consists of three variants – the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 – which can carry up to 330 passengers on flights of up to 8,500 nautical miles. The aircraft has received over 1,600 orders from airlines around the world and has been in service since 2011.
The Dreamliner’s advanced features include a quieter cabin with larger windows, improved air quality, and higher humidity levels to reduce passenger fatigue on long-haul flights. The aircraft is also equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment systems and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The 787 is powered by either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 high-bypass turbofan engines, which provide the efficiency and range required by airlines for long-haul flights. The aircraft also features an advanced flight deck, including Head-Up Displays (HUDs) and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), which provide pilots with critical information in real-time.
Despite some challenges during development, such as issues with the lithium-ion batteries and production delays, the Boeing 787 remains a popular and important aircraft in the global aviation industry. Its innovative design, advanced features, and range make it a preferred choice for airlines operating long-haul flights.
History of the Dreamliner
In the early 2000s, Boeing was faced with the challenge of developing a new aircraft that would meet the changing demands of the airline industry. The company had recently scrapped its Sonic Cruiser project, which was designed to fly faster than traditional commercial airliners but was ultimately deemed too expensive and impractical for mass production.
Instead, Boeing set its sights on creating an aircraft that would be more efficient and cost-effective than anything that had come before it. The result was the 7E7, later renamed the 787.
Boeing began work on the 787 in 2003, with the goal of creating an aircraft that would use 20% less fuel than existing aircraft in its class. To achieve this, the company turned to new technologies and materials, including a carbon-fiber composite construction that would make the aircraft both lighter and stronger than traditional metal aircraft.
The 787 also made extensive use of electrical systems, such as a state-of-the-art flight control system, which reduced the need for hydraulic systems and made the aircraft more efficient. Additionally, the 787 was designed to be more comfortable for passengers, with larger windows, increased cabin pressure, and improved air quality.
The first 787 prototype was rolled out in 2007, but the aircraft faced a number of challenges during development. Technical issues with the aircraft’s lithium-ion batteries led to fires and forced regulators to ground the entire 787 fleet in 2013.
Despite these setbacks, Boeing continued to refine the 787, and the aircraft finally received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2011. The first 787-8 was delivered to launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA) later that year, and the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011.
Over the years, Boeing has continued to develop and improve the 787, introducing new variants and features to meet the changing needs of the airline industry. In 2014, the stretched 787-9 was introduced, which could fly further and carry more passengers than the original 787-8. And in 2018, the even larger 787-10 was introduced, offering increased capacity and range.
New technologies and features
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced airliners ever built. With its innovative use of new technologies, it has set a new standard in aviation. In this article, we will explore some of the new technologies and features that make the Boeing 787 stand out from other commercial airliners.
Composite materials
The most striking feature of the Boeing 787 is its extensive use of composite materials. The aircraft’s airframe is made up of 50% composite materials, which include carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), fiberglass, and other advanced composites. This approach to manufacturing has resulted in a lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft that can travel further distances.
Engines
The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on the 787 come in three variants: the Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-C, and Trent 1000-D, which produce thrust ranging from 74,000 to 78,000 pounds. The General Electric GEnx engines, also available in three variants, the GEnx-1B, GEnx-1B64, and GEnx-1B67, produce thrust ranging from 74,000 to 76,100 pounds.
Electrical systems
The Boeing 787 uses electrical systems to perform many of the functions that were previously done by hydraulic and pneumatic systems. This results in a simpler and more efficient design that is also easier to maintain. For example, the 787 uses an electrically driven hydraulic pump, which eliminates the need for a separate hydraulic system.
Advanced aerodynamics
The Boeing 787’s advanced aerodynamics are another key feature that sets it apart from other commercial airliners. The aircraft has a unique wing design that incorporates raked wingtips and chevron-shaped exhaust nozzles. These features reduce drag and noise, resulting in a more fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft.
Cabin features
The Boeing 787’s cabin features are designed to enhance passenger comfort and reduce the effects of jet lag. The aircraft has larger windows that are electronically dimmable, which allows passengers to adjust the amount of light coming into the cabin. The cabin is also pressurized to a lower altitude than other commercial airliners, which reduces the effects of jet lag.
Avionics
The Boeing 787’s avionics system is another area where the aircraft stands out. The aircraft uses a suite of advanced avionics systems, including a digital flight deck, fly-by-wire flight controls, and advanced navigation and communication systems. These systems help to make the aircraft more efficient and easier to fly.
Environmental features
The Boeing 787 is designed with the environment in mind. The aircraft is 20% more fuel-efficient than other commercial airliners, which reduces emissions and helps to lower operating costs. The aircraft also has a quieter engine, which reduces noise pollution around airports.
Maintenance features
The Boeing 787’s maintenance features are designed to make the aircraft easier and more cost-effective to maintain. The aircraft has a modular design, which allows for easier and faster replacement of components. The aircraft also uses a system of sensors that monitor the aircraft’s systems and send data to ground-based maintenance teams, which helps to reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
Variants
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is available in three different variants: the 787-8, the 787-9, and the 787-10. In this article, we will explore the different variants of the Boeing 787 and their specifications.
787-8
The Boeing 787-8 is the smallest variant of the 787 family, and was the first one to be introduced into service. The 787-8 can carry up to 242 passengers, and has a range of 7,355 nautical miles (13,620 km). The aircraft is 186 feet long (57 meters) and has a wingspan of 197 feet (60 meters). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 502,500 pounds (228,000 kg). The 787-8 is powered by either two General Electric GEnx or two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 turbofan engines, which help the plane achieve its high fuel efficiency.
787-9
The Boeing 787-9 is the mid-sized variant of the 787 family, and can carry up to 290 passengers. The 787-9 has a range of 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km), which is longer than the 787-8. The 787-9 is 206 feet (63 meters) long, and has a wingspan of 197 feet (60 meters). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 560,000 pounds (254,000 kg). The 787-9 is powered by either two General Electric GEnx or two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 turbofan engines.
787-10
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest variant of the 787 family, and can carry up to 330 passengers. The 787-10 has a range of 6,430 nautical miles (11,910 km), which is shorter than the 787-8 and 787-9. The 787-10 is 224 feet (68 meters) long, and has a wingspan of 197 feet (60 meters). It has a maximum takeoff weight of 560,000 pounds (254,000 kg). The 787-10 is powered by either two General Electric GEnx or two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 turbofan engines.
All of the Boeing 787 variants share some common features, such as the use of composite materials, advanced systems, and advanced aerodynamics. The Boeing 787 is the first commercial airplane to have an airframe made primarily of composite materials, which makes it lighter and more fuel efficient. The use of composite materials in the construction of the aircraft also reduces maintenance costs, and increases the durability and strength of the airframe.
Another important feature of the Boeing 787 is its advanced systems, which include an electrical system that replaces hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The use of electrical systems makes the aircraft lighter, more efficient, and more reliable. The 787 also has an advanced flight deck that uses the latest technologies, such as head-up displays, advanced flight management systems, and flight control surfaces that are operated electronically.
A popular choice among airlines around the world
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a popular choice among airlines around the world, with over 1000 planes ordered to date. Its advanced technology and efficiency make it a top choice for long-haul flights, and it has attracted a diverse range of customers from all corners of the globe. Let’s take a look at some of the major customers of the Boeing 787.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
All Nippon Airways was the launch customer of the Boeing 787 and currently has the largest fleet of 787s in the world, with over 70 planes in operation. The Japanese airline operates a range of 787 variants, including the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10. ANA uses the Dreamliner on a variety of routes, including long-haul flights to Europe and North America.
United Airlines
United Airlines was the first North American airline to take delivery of the Boeing 787 and currently operates over 50 787s in its fleet. The airline uses the Dreamliner on a variety of long-haul routes, including flights between the United States and Asia, Australia, and Europe. United has also ordered the latest variant of the Dreamliner, the 787-10, which is expected to be delivered in the coming years.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, currently operates over 30 Boeing 787s in its fleet. The airline uses the Dreamliner on long-haul flights to destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America. Etihad has also ordered the latest variant of the Dreamliner, the 787-10, which is expected to be delivered in the coming years.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is another major customer of the Boeing 787, with over 40 planes currently in operation. The airline uses the Dreamliner on a variety of long-haul routes, including flights to Europe, Asia, and North America. Qatar Airways has also ordered the latest variant of the Dreamliner, the 787-10, which is expected to be delivered in the coming years.
British Airways
British Airways currently operates over 30 Boeing 787s in its fleet, using the Dreamliner on a variety of long-haul routes, including flights between London and destinations in Asia, South America, and North America. The airline has also ordered the latest variant of the Dreamliner, the 787-10, which is expected to be delivered in the coming years.
Other major customers of the Boeing 787 include Air Canada, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. These airlines have all placed large orders for the Dreamliner and use the plane on a variety of long-haul routes around the world.
Problems and challenges
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an impressive aircraft, but it has not been without its fair share of issues and challenges. Some of the most notable problems faced by the 787 include delays in production, issues with the lithium-ion batteries, and supply chain issues.
The first major challenge faced by the 787 was production delays. The aircraft was initially supposed to enter service in 2008, but this was pushed back several times due to various issues. The delays were caused by problems with the supply chain, design issues, and production challenges.
One of the most significant issues faced by the 787 was with the lithium-ion batteries used on the aircraft. In 2013, two batteries on two different 787s caught fire, leading to the grounding of the entire fleet for several months. After extensive investigations and modifications, the batteries were deemed safe, and the 787 was allowed to return to service.
Another challenge faced by the 787 was supply chain issues. The aircraft was designed to use parts from suppliers all over the world, but this caused problems when some suppliers were unable to deliver parts on time or at the required quality level. This led to further delays in production and added to the cost of the program.
Despite these challenges, the 787 has proven to be a popular and successful aircraft. It has been praised for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and range. Boeing continues to invest in the 787 program, with plans to introduce new variants and technologies in the coming years.
The future of the Boeing 787
The future of the Boeing 787 looks promising as it continues to be a popular choice for airlines worldwide. With ongoing advancements in technology and engineering, Boeing is constantly working to improve the performance and capabilities of the 787. In the coming years, we can expect to see further developments in the 787’s fuel efficiency and range, making it an even more attractive option for airlines looking to reduce costs and expand their routes.
Additionally, Boeing is exploring the possibility of developing a new variant of the 787, tentatively called the 787-10X, which would be capable of carrying even more passengers than the current 787-10 model. This could open up new opportunities for airlines to offer more spacious and comfortable cabins, as well as potentially reducing the cost per seat.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
Hello dreamliners,
I like the 787 very much.Flying from Canada to the Netherlands and back is a
pleasure.
But I don’t understand why our golden retriever (dog) is not allowed to fly in this plane. (KLM) We have to take the 777(old) plane.
Hopefully the next 787-10 will do it!
Thanks, Jacques de Gruijter.