Dream start for 'green' aircraft

More than two years later than originally planned, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner took to the skies for its maiden test flight.

The aircraft is constructed in large part of plastics, making it lighter, quieter and greener, the company said.

Shortly before 10.30am local time (6.30pm Irish time) the plane – powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines – took off from a runway in Washington State.

Pilots Michael Carriker and Randall Neville kept the Dreamliner in the air for around three hours before landing at Seattle’s Boeing Field.

They took the aircraft to an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,572 metres) and an air speed of 180 knots, or about 207 miles per hour (333 kilometres/hour).

Scott Fancher, Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program, said: “Today is truly a proud and historic day for the global team who has worked tirelessly to design and build the 787 Dreamliner – the first all-new jet plane of the 21st century.

“We look forward to the upcoming flight test program and soon bringing groundbreaking levels of efficiency, technology and passenger comfort to airlines and the flying public.”

Yesterday’s flight marked the beginning of a flight test program that will see six planes flying nearly around the clock and around the globe, with the plane’s first delivery scheduled to Japan’s All Nippon Airways next year.

Boeing said 55 customers around the world have ordered 840 787s, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

In the UK, British Airways has ordered 24, Virgin Atlantic 15, Thomson Airways/TUI Group 13 and Monarch six.

A Boeing spokesman said the 787 will use 20% less fuel than current aircraft of a comparable size.

Roger Bone, president of Boeing UK, said: “The 787 is the product of a 24-hours-a-day, global collaborative programme in which UK industry continues to play a key role.

“The 787 programme will help to sustain thousands of jobs in the UK and will be worth many billions of pounds to the UK economy.

“When a Rolls-Royce powered 787 takes to the sky, some 25% of the value of the aircraft will be British.”

The 787’s first flight was due to take place in 2007 but the project has been beset with delays. The take-off date had been pushed back five times.

Once operational, it will be able to seat up to 250 people and cover 9,000 miles.