Boeing and ANA have signed the
formal documents completing the contractual delivery of the first
787 Dreamliner, Boeing says. Celebrations to mark this historic
milestone held in Everett with a delivery ceremony followed by
flyaway of the airplane on 26 September 2011. The signing comes
after a series of flights, inspections and the transfer of
funds.
"Now that the airplane is ready to
deliver, the entire team is ready to celebrate," says Mr. Scott
Fancher, Vice President and general manager of the 787 program. "We
look forward to honoring our launch customer ANA before they fly
their first Dreamliner home to Japan."
Celebrations for Boeing employees
began Monday outside the 787 factory in Everett with the static
display of ZA002, one of the flight test airplanes painted in ANA's
livery. ANA and Boeing executives, employees, partners and
government officials gathered for the delivery ceremony in the same
location. Airplane 24, painted in ANA's special livery, joined the
display during the ceremony. Flyaway of the airplane to Tokyo was
Tuesday morning at 6:35 a.m. from Paine Field.
"ANA has been a tremendous partner
from day one," says Fancher. "Through the hard work and challenges,
the Boeing team never lost focus on the commitments to our valued
customer. We know ANA's customers will love this airplane."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an
all-new airplane featuring a host of technologies that provide
exceptional value to airlines and unparalleled levels of comfort to
passengers. It is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying
long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes
preferred by the traveling public.
Composite materials, more-electric
systems, advanced aerodynamics and modern engines combine to make
the 787 more fuel efficient and provide lower operating costs.
Passengers will appreciate the cleaner cabin air, higher humidity
and lower cabin altitude that combine to help them feel more
refreshed after flying on the 787.
Other innovations include larger
windows with electrochromic shades, bigger onboard luggage
bins and LED lighting. The 787 had been billed to enter into
service in 2008 but had suffered delays. Some African
airlines who ordered the air plane have had capacity challenges due
to non-arrival of the aircraft.