TOKYO — The much-delayed yet highly anticipated new Boeing 787 Dreamliner made its maiden commercial flight on Wednesday, on a four-hour-plus flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong by launch customer All Nippon Airways.
The 787, a twin-aisle widebody constructed largely of lightweight composite materials, is described by Boeing as an aviation game changer.
The overdue airplane, which ANA had originally expected receive in 2008, is expected to burn 20% less fuel than similar aircraft, thanks to the use of composites.
It also boasts several other innovations, such as improved humidity and cabin pressure, the largest overhead bins available and windows that are 30% larger and can be dimmed electronically at the touch of a button.
Priced at $193.5 million per plane, the first Dreamliner model carries 210 to 250 passengers. Boeing is marketing the plane as ideal for point-to-point and/or long-haul connections between smaller, non-hub cities that might not warrant larger aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental or Airbus A380.
ANA officials say they plan to initially use the 787 on heavily traveled domestic routes in Japan, as well as on some flights to nearby Asian destinations. The airline has 55 of the planes on order.
For destination news and updates worldwide, follow Ken Kiesnoski on Twitter @kktravelweekly.