787-9

Boeing has contractually delivered the first 787-9 Dreamliner jet to its launch customer Air New Zealand, a key milestone for the aircraft programme.

The move indicates that the company’s progress is on schedule through design, fabrication and testing.

In June, the 787-9 secured the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications for commercial service.

The 787-9 is said to feature lightweight plastic components and a new electrical system that replaces heavier metal systems.

Powered by General Electric and Rolls-Royce-manufactured engines, the aircraft is claimed to offer 20% fuel reduction compared with other similar-sized aircraft.

At 20ft longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 extends in capacity and range and can accommodate around 40 more passengers than its predecessor.

The twin-aisle configured aircraft has a range of 8,300nm and cruise speed of Mach 0.85.

"The twin-aisle configured aircraft has a range of 8,300nm and cruise speed of Mach 0.85."

Air New Zealand plans to receive the new 787-9, featuring a striking black livery on 9 July.

The development of the first smaller 787-8 was plagued by several issues, and Boeing had to carry out extensive modifications to a number of those aircraft.

Last year, the FAA grounded all 787s in-service worldwide after a battery fire and another case of one overheating prompted aircraft to make an emergency landing.

Boeing said that the 787-9 variant incorporates various modifications, including a laminar flow control system that helps reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, reported Reuters.

The 787-10, which was launched in 2013, is scheduled for first delivery in 2018.

Image: A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Photo: courtesy of The Boeing Company.

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