Image Credit: Boeing

September 29, 2011

The newest and most efficient plane made by Boeing has just been delivered. The 787 Dreamliner landed in Tokyo marking the biggest innovation in commercial aviation since the Boeing 707 introduced the world to passenger jet travel more than 50 years ago. The 787 will use 20 percent less fuel and produce 20 percent fewer emissions than planes the same size. Boeing says the design of the aircraft also reduces waste and energy use. The airplane features large fuselage pieces rather than thousands of individual parts like aluminum sheets and thousands of fasteners.

The company says newer engine technology is the biggest factor in increasing the plane’s fuel efficiency. The 787 is also made up of lightweight carbon-fibre composites which also contributes to efficiency. Boeing says the 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-sized airplane capable of flying long range routes. The cabin of the Dreamliner also features roomier seats, more storage and manually dimmable windows. Bulbless LED lighting inside the aircraft will save energy while the 128 different color configurations ease the transition for passengers between day and night.