By the time Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner plane was unveiled, it had more orders (from launch to roll-out) than any previous wide-body plane. It is one of the most advanced mid-size commercial passenger jets of its age, created to replace Boeing’s 767 airliner.
So why is it called the “Dreamliner?” Check out some of the features that make this plane special:
Exterior
Wing structure: Boeing used composite materials and raked wing tips to give the 787 a higher aspect ratio, which means it’s one of the fastest commercial aircraft and still consumes less fuel than other aircraft its size.
Environmental features: The 787 is built with fewer hazardous materials and produced less scrap metal and waste during manufacturing. The materials are recyclable so that they can be used again at the end of the plane’s lifespan and the plane produces fewer emissions.
Engine: Each Dreamliner is equipped with two Rolls-Royce engines that have a higher bypass ratio than other engines, which makes the plane the quietest commercial aircraft of its class.
Interior
Seating: The 787 is designed to seat between 210 and 290 people. The seats can be arranged in various ways to make rows of anywhere between four and nine seats across.
Windows: If you’re hoping for a view, you’re in luck - the Dreamliner’s windows are larger than any other plane’s and are positioned higher so that passengers can always see the horizon. The glass also features five shades of tinting instead of traditional window shades so that passengers can adjust how much light is let in from outside.
Bathroom: The square bathroom aboard the plane has a movable center wall that can create two small bathrooms or one large square bathroom for passengers in wheelchairs.
Air quality: The Dreamliner air conditioning system features filters that remove airborne particles, irritants, odors, viruses, allergens, and bacteria. Also, the cabin pressure is set to the equivalent of 6,000 feet altitude instead of the regular 8,000 feet to make flying more comfortable.
Luggage space: Passengers are able to store larger bags in their overhead compartments and will have more headroom than other traditional aircraft designs.
Lighting: The lights throughout the 787 cabin are all LEDs and change colors to match the time of day and/or the passenger mood (such as blue or purple for relaxation or orange when meals are served.)
*Photo courtesy of boeing.com