Boeing’s Dreamliner 787 has since 2011 saved 18 billion pounds of fuel, making it a star among the plane maker’s other jets, reports the Puget Sound Business Journal.
The Boeing recently released details about its Dreamliner 787 family of jets, including the 787-8 and 787-9, and its soon to be introduced 787-10, which is undergoing flight tests.
According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the 787 series jets – once infamous for their battery fires – have racked up some impressive numbers as noted below:
- The Dreamliner has saved an estimated 18 billion pounds of fuel for its flights compared to older, gas-guzzling wide bodies it replaced since the first delivery in 2011.
- To date, about 190 million passengers have flown on Dreamliner jets since they entered service.
- The 787 hit the milestone of 1 million flights after less than six years in service, faster than any twin-aisle jet.
The Dreamliner has flown 150 new nonstop routes between twin cities thanks to the 787’s longer range and fuel efficiency. - Around 38 airlines worldwide own 787s in their fleet.
It what seemed like a commemoration of this event, Boeing on Tuesday rolled out its first 787-10 Dreamliner for Singapore Airlines from its assembly facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. The airplane will now be painted with the airline’s livery and begin its system checks, fueling and engine runs.
Singapore Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of its big Dreamliner in the first half of 2018 and will be operated on the airline’s medium-haul routes. The Asian airline is the launch customer of the 787-10, the largest jet in the Dreamliner family, and currently has 30 airplanes on firm order.
Singapore Airlines also signed a letter of intent in February to purchase 19 additional 787-10s, reports the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Boeing has further announced a decision to increase Dreamliner production in both Everett, Washington, and South Carolina to a combined 14 aircraft a month in 2020, from the current rate of 12.
Image and content credits: Boeing/Andrew McIntosh-Puget Sound Business Journal