PARIS: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed in India on Thursday (Jun 12), stands out in the US manufacturer’s lineup of long-haul aircraft. It is a fuel-efficient, wide-body plane designed to carry up to 330 passengers.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Since its debut in October 2011 with Japan’s All Nippon Airways, over 2,598 units have been ordered by more than 80 airlines globally, with 889 still pending delivery.
The aircraft is favored for its lightweight design, with about half of its structure made from composite materials. This allows it to consume up to 20 percent less fuel on long flights compared to older, similar-sized passenger jets.
Additionally, it offers “point-to-point” service capabilities, enabling direct flights to destinations rather than relying on a “hub” system utilized by larger aircraft.
Boeing states that the 787 has enabled the creation of 180 such “point-to-point” routes, surpassing the initial estimate of 80.
