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The Boeing 7E7 “Dreamliner,” a plane designed for manufacture and the customer Boeing, arguably the world’s greatest commercial aircraft producer, has been having some fun coming up with a new aircraft, dubbed the 7E7, named by a quasi-popular global vote the “Dreamliner.” The 7E7 is due to start commercial flight operations in 2008, and it looks like a jewel. What makes it look that way? The design, the look, and the name. And perhaps even the marketing concept, if it can be transferred to the airlines that will fly it --- treat the passenger as a customer. Wow, what a long overdue innovation! Updates Thus far in 2009 through November 10, Boeing has lost 83 orders for the 787 Dreamliner, but gained 13, five from All Nippon Airways, eight from Gulf Air, for a net loss of 70 orders. One analyst says Boeing is now at 840 orders total. I believe company figures agree with that. (111709) Since launching the 787 program in 2004, Boeing has secured 866 orders from 57 customers. It has recently received five cancellations. (053009)
December 23, 2009: Boeing Dreamliner ZA002, the second test aircraft, completed its first flight on December 22, 2009, featuring the livery of ANA (All Nippon Airlines) of Japan. She took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington and flew for two hours landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. Captain Randy Neville flew the aircraft with chief pilot Mike Carriker on the side saddle as co-pilot. These same two men flew ZA001 on her first flight on December 15, 2009.
December 15, 2009: The Dreamliner went airborne today, Mike Carriker and Randy Neville the pilots. They flew her to 15,000 ft. at 180 knots (207 mph). Six aircraft have been designated as test flight aircraft and will be flying nearly around the clock and around the globe during her testing period. The pilots landed at the Boeing field in south Seattle about one hour early due to bad weather. They did encounter some weather caused turbulence during the test flight.
December 12, 2009: Boeing completed high-speed taxi tests today on the 787, the last functional test in preparation for her first flight. The crew took her up to 150 mph and lifted the nose gear from the pavement. It looks like everything for her first flight is ready. The first flight is scheduled for 10 am PST, December 15, 2009. The Dreamliner website will activate 24 hours prior to launch. December 11, 2009: Boeing's 787 Dreamliner ready for the wild blue yonder. According to the company, she's ready for her first flight, next week, perhaps on December 15 or thereabouts. The first flight is expected to last about 4-5 hours. She will fly from the factory at Everett, Washington, north of Seattle, and recover at Boeing Field in southern Seattle, where all 787 test planes will be based.
Test Aircraft #1
Test Aircraft #2 November 17, 2009: Peter Sanders, reporting for the Wall Street Journal's November 13, 2009 edition, says that Boeing has very serious problems with use of its composite materials. He says some engineers say the test aircraft will not be ready to fly as scheduled. However, Boeing has said it is still scheduled to fly its first test on December 22, 2009. the above photos shows the first test aircraft on November 12 and the second test aircraft on November 16, 2009. After Aicraft 31 is done with current work, the intent is to conduct another set of gauntlet and taxi teststo assure all is ready for the Dreamliner's first test flight. The company says all other pre-flight activities have been completed for Aircraft #1. The company announced in October that it will position its second 787 final assembly line in North Charleston, South Carolina.
August 27, 2009: Boeing has announced that it will fly its first Dreamliner by the end of 2009, with first delivery expected for late 2010. TYhe aircraft is two years behind schedule. June 26, 2009: The 787 is seeing some significant troubles as a result of the delivery delays mentioned below and the recession. Leasing firms accounted for about a sixth of 787 orders. The delivery delays are hurting their plans to get in the market quickly with the new aircraft. Qantas has cancelled its order for 15 and deferred delivery of others, largely because of the recession. Qantas originally ordered 65 and the order is now down to 50, though it has retained the right to buy 50 more if things change. June 23, 2009: Boeing Inc. again delayed the maiden flight of its 787 Dreamliner, saying a section of the aircraft needs to be reinforced. The company said it will be several weeks before it will release a new flight and delivery schedule. March 19, 2009:
The sixth and final Boeing 787 Dreamliner designated for flight test is now undergoing final assembly in Everett, Washington. The airplane, designated ZA006, will be powered with General Electric GEnx engines. The first flight test airplane, ZA001, is getting its paint touched up this week before finishing factory testing. Power was brought onto the second airplane, ZA002, in late February and build verification tests are progressing well. Production work continues on ZA003, ZA004 and ZA005. In all, assemblies for 31 Dreamliners are currently in production throughout the supply chain. January 30, 2009:
Boeing 787 flight test aircraft ZA005 has been joined. It will be the first to be powered by the General Electric GEnx engines. Photo credit: Boeing. Dreamliner Boeing 787 production resumed on January 29, 2009. Five of the six aircraft designated for flight testing are in production, one behind the other in the line. The first test flight is scheduled for the 2Q2009. Assembly activities for the sections of the sixth flight test aircraft are on track worldwide. The company feels confident it has worked out the kinks in the production effort with its suppliers and now envisions a "return to a steady production rhythm." It is my understanding that test aircraft ZA001-4 will employ Rolls Royce engines while ZA005 will be the first to use the General Electric GEnx engines. the first aircraft delivery remains scheduled for 1Q2010. December 11, 2008: Boeing announced it will have to delay its first flight of the 787 Dreamliner to 2Q2009 and first delivery to 1Q2010. The company said a machinists strike and a requirement to replace fasteners are the causes. The company is now updating its delivery schedules. September 27, 2008:
Photo credit: Boeing Boeing successfully completed a high-pressure test, known as "high blow," on the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe at its Everett factory, September 27, 2008. The test is one of three static tests that must be cleared prior to first flight. It took nearly two hours to complete the test, as pressure was slowly increased to ensure the integrity of the airplane. June 20, 2008:
Photo credit: Boeing Boeing has completed the "power on" sequence for the first 787 Dreamliner. In other words, they turned on the juice for the aircraft through a complicated series of tasks and tests. All that wiring was put under the gun. Once done, they plugged in the power cart and brought each segment of the aircraft's systems to full power. Once done, they used the pilot's controls to direct the addition of other systems to the power grid. The first flight continues to be expected in 4QCY2008. April 10, 2008 Boeing has announced delays in the 787 program The first flight will be in 4QCY2008, deliveries to begin 3QCY2009. There will be about 25 aircraft delivered during 2009. The Boeing leadership says these new schedules are needed to avoid any further slippages downstream. February 16, 2008
This is aircraft number four. If you look at the very next photo, you will see it in fourth position. It is now in final assembly. It is the second flight test aircraft; in the photos below, numbers 3 and 4 are the two test aircraft, the first two to be used for static and fatigue testing. All together, the plan is to have six flight test aircraft. Engineers report that aircraft #4 has gone together the best thus far. Sections are coming from the partners in better shape, and assembly is moving along more quickly. This is important to Boeing, as the manufacturing process was designed to be highly efficient, central to the profit projections and delivery promises. There are, at present, 21 aircraft in various stages of production. January 16, 2008
The Boeing production line is full for the all-new 787 Dreamliner, as work continues on the first flight-test airplane and two airplanes to be used for static and fatigue testing. This photo shows Airplane #1 in the third position, where final structure and systems installations are completed. Behind it, the static-test airplane is in the second position, where it will receive landing gear, engines, and any required interior installations. The fatigue airplane entered final body join November 30, 2007. (121107) Boeing has announced it will again delay its first 787 flight, now to second quarter 2008, perhaps June, one year behind schedule. The company says deliveries are now expected to begin in early 2009, rather than late 2008. Observers say it is unlikely that Boeing will meet its goal to deliver 109 aircraft by the end of 2009. There are problems getting the first aircraft ready to fly, and issues with parts shortages from suppliers. October 10, 2007 US aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Wednesday delayed for six months the first deliveries of its new 787 Dreamliner plane, which will now not be delivered until December 2008. Something has gone wrong in the assembly process. The company has said there have been problems with out-of-sequence production work, including parts shortages, and remaining software and systems integration activities. All Nippon Airways was to get the first aircraft in May 2008. The first flight is now planned for first quarter 2008. September 30, 2007:
Interior of the Dreamliner. Boeing File. British Airways said on September 27, 2007 it had ordered 12 Airbus superjumbo A380s and 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, and has taken an option on seven more A380s and 18 Dreamliners. Boeing announced in September 5, 2007 that it had delayed flight testing of the 787 by several weeks, but still plans to make its delivers in May 2008 in scheduled. Software appears to be the issue. As of September 5, Boeing has received orders for 706 aircraft from 48 customers, which included a recent order by Aeroflot for 22. We believe the 706 figure does not include the British Air order, which means it has orders for 730 aircraft. July 9, 2007:
The Boeing Company rolled-out the 787 "Dreamliner" on Sunday, July 8, 2007. Fifteen thousand people attended. Boeing broadcast the roll-out in nine different languages around the world by satellite TV. The 787 Dreamliner is the fastest-selling commercial airplane in history -- 47 customers have announced 677 orders since its launch in April 2004, and this number is expected to rise. Flight testing will begin in about six weeks, plus or minus. Overall, the 787 Dreamliner order book is valued at nearly $100 billion at current list prices. Let's take a look at some other roll-out views.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft sits outside the Boeing assembly plant in Everett, Washington, July 8, 2007. Photo credit: Robert Sorbo, Reuters
Visitors reach out to touch the fuselage of the first production model of the new Boeing 787 airplane after it was unveiled to an audience of several thousand employees, airline executives, and dignitaries during a ceremony Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Boeing's assembly plant in Everett, Wash. Photo credit: Ted S. Warren, AP
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner sits outside the Boeing assembly plant. Photo credit: Robert Sorbo, Reuters
Paul Charles (L) and Tara Panchaud of Virgin Atlantic Airways feel the underside of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner outside the Boeing assembly plant. Photo credit: Robert Sorbo, Reuters
A visitor holds up a U.S. flag as he views the first production model of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane. Photo credit: Ted S. Warren, AP
Visitors check out the engine of the first production model of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo credit: Ted S. Warren, AP July 6, 2007:
Final assembly continues on the first all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner with the installation of the wings earlier this month. This photo, taken June 5, 2007 shows both wings in the join position. The 787 team is making steady progress with final assembly, which began in Everett, Wash., on May 21. The airplane stands in position one, which is where all the major body joins take place. Photo credit: Gail Hanusa, The Boeing Company. May 30, 2007:
Final assembly of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is well underway at the company's Everett, Washington plant May 21, 2007. Photo credit: Robert Sorbo, Reuters May 20, 2007: The final major assembly for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was delivered to the final assembly plant at Everett, Washington on May 16, 2007. The integrated mid-body fuselage consists of section 43, a forward fuselage section made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI); section 11/45, the center wheel well and center wing tank, made by KHI and Fuji Heavy Industries and joined at FHI; and sections 44 and 46, center fuselage sections made by Alenia Aeronautica. It was joined at Global Aeronautica in Charleston, South Carolina. The fuselage measures 84 feet long and 19 feet in diameter. It was flown to Everett in the Dreamlifter, a specially modified 747-400 used to transport major 787 assemblies. The fuselage was taken immediately into the 787 final assembly factory. Final assembly of the first 787 has not yet begun, but today's delivery takes the team one step closer to that goal. The first 787 is expected to roll-out in July 2007.
The super freighter "Dreamlifter" aircraft, carrying the massive mid-body fuselage for the first Boeing 787 "Dreamliner,' taxis to the unloading area on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, in Everett, Wash. The tail of the specially designed 747 freighter swings open for huge payloads that are unloaded using one of the largest cargo loaders in the world. The Boeing factory needs one more major component, a central fuselage section from Charleston, S.C., before workers can begin to assemble the plane that is scheduled to roll out July 8. Photo credit: Kevin P. Casey, AP
A converted Boeing 747-400 freighter dubbed the "Dreamlifter" that ferries large Boeing 787 parts from domestic and overseas suppliers taxis down Paine Field in Everett, Wash., to deliver fuselage sections for the first Boeing 787 on Friday, May 11, 2007. The 787 is expected to begin service in May 2008. Photo credit: Joe Nicholson, AP
The rear fuselage section of the first Boeing 787 is delivered at Paine Field for assembly in Everett, Wash., Friday May 11, 2007. The fuselage section is unloaded from the "Dreamlifter." Photo credit: Joe Nicholson, AP
The massive wings for the first Boeing 787 are unloaded, May 15, 2007, in Everett, Wash. The tail of the specially designed 747 freighter swings open for huge payload that is unloaded using the largest cargo loader in the world. The first aircraft is scheduled to roll out July 8. Photo credit: Elaine Thompson, AP We have a few update photos of what the aircraft is expected to look like.
January 4, 2007: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the fastest selling new aircraft in history. It is scheduled to enter service in 2008. As of this date, Boeing has sold 157 of them. As an aside, Boeing has regained the title as the number one commercial aircraft company for 2006, securing 1,044 net orders for new aircraft. Europe's Airbus drops to number two, where it belongs. Nice try fellas. Here are a few updated views of the aircraft.
April 27, 2005: Updated with photo below and right column text.
A model of Boeing's Dreamliner. Boeing Co. has announced a slew of new orders for its new Dreamliner jet ahead of the first test flight of the A380 superjumbo of arch-rival Airbus Industries. Photo credit: Mike Clarke, AFP July 2, 2003
It is not the size. It will only carry between 200-250 people. It’s not going to go significantly faster than present day aircraft. It is not remote controlled. Pilots are still needed! It’s the design, the look, and the name. They tell you something new is coming down the stream, and that’s exciting for airplane buffs.
The aircraft is touted to be the most advanced and efficient commercial airplane in its class, one that will “set new standards for environmental leadership and passenger comfort.” This means it will connect cities that are 8,000 miles apart and use 15-20 percent less fuel than today's aircraft carrying the same passenger loads, as fuel efficient as the longer-haul aircraft like the 777 and newer 747s.
Boeing says it is re-defining cabin comfort, restoring "the magic of flight." Boeing says "the passenger experience is the number one priority." That would surely be a God-send. The airplanes will be "e-enabled," with "total connectivity, offering always-on connectivity for real-time high-speed Internet and e-mail access." Because of its efficiencies, Boeing hopes to see the airplane offer greater point-to-point airport connections.
So on the aurface, the company is saying it is designing for the customer with the customer. Boeing also plans to design for manufacture. The final assembly will only take about three days instead of 13-17 days used today. Most of the primary structure will consist of advanced composite materials instead of aluminum. The company hopes that will mean better durability, reduced maintenance, and increased potential for future developments. And Boeing will employ sub-system manufacturers, assembly and supplier companies from around the world. Final assembly work might be done in more than one state.
By the way, Boeing got the name “Dreamliner” from a customer survey. Boeing joined with AOL Time Warner and launched a “Name Your Plane” effort involving people from around the world to choose from among four potential names: Dreamliner, eLiner, Global Cruiser and Stratoclimber. Boeing and AOL Time Warner Inc. also made a special effort to involve children in the naming. A special issue of TIME For Kids , sent to more than 2 million students in grades four through six, featured the history of flight, introduced kids to the 7E7 and invited them to help name the new plane.
Pollack commented:
This is some extremely savvy marketing, that's for sure. Marketing is not selling. That comes later. Marketing has to do with creating the image you want, and that's what's happening here. Let's wait to see if the company delivers, and cross our fingers that it does. This looks like fun! |
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Many of us can remember when we saw our first Boeing 747. It marked the beginning of the “Jumbo Jet” era. This author saw his first 747 in its landing pattern for Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport in the early 70s. What a marvelous site. Thinking back, it was almost hard to believe, and exciting at the same time.
