EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner today to launch customer ANA during a ceremony adjacent to the factory where the airplane was assembled. More than 500 employees representing the 787 program walked alongside the all-new jetliner to present it to ANA executives as a crowd of thousands looked on.
"Today we celebrate a significant moment in the history of flight," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. "The 787 Dreamliner is the biggest innovation in commercial aviation since the Boeing 707 introduced the world to passenger jet travel more than 50 years ago. I want to thank ANA and all the employees of Boeing and our partner companies for the talent, technology and teamwork that have brought this game-changing airplane to life."
During the ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh presented a ceremonial key to Shinichiro Ito, president and CEO of ANA.
"It's not often that we have the chance to make history, do something big and bold that will change the world in untold ways and endure long after we are gone," said Albaugh. "That's what the 787 Dreamliner is and what ANA and Boeing have done together – build what truly is the first new airplane of the 21st century."
"We are delighted to be taking delivery finally of our first 787. ANA is extremely proud to be the launch customer for the Dreamliner and to have helped Boeing so closely in the development of this state-of-the-art aircraft," said Ito. "The Dreamliner will enable us to offer unrivalled standards of service and comfort to our passengers and will play a key part in ANA's plans for international expansion."
Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a host of new technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experience.
"Today you join the ranks of the legends of our industry," said Pat Shanahan, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and general manager, Airplane Programs. "I have no doubt that 30 or 40 years from now another outstanding Boeing team will be celebrating a new version of the 787 Dreamliner. They will struggle to find the words to express their deep respect and admiration for the hard work you have done in getting us to this day and laying the foundation for a strong future for Boeing and for our industry."
"I've been inspired by your passion, your commitment and your dedication. You made the 787 Dreamliner a reality," said Scott Fancher, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president and general manager, 787 program. "Your achievement we celebrate today is extraordinary, and it will be remembered for years to come."
ANA and Boeing completed the contractual delivery of the airplane on Sept. 25. ANA will fly the airplane to Tokyo Haneda Airport on Tuesday, with a scheduled departure of 6:35 a.m. (Pacific time) from Paine Field. A live webcast of the flyaway can be seen at www.newairplane.com. Video highlights of all 787 first delivery events also will be posted to the website.

Source: Boeing

Boeing rolled out the first 787 Dreamliner to be delivered to launch customer All Nippon Airways, decked out in the blue and white of the Japanese airline.
Boeing presented the plane to ANA executives and crew under clear skies at its Everett factory north of Seattle. The first domestic flights are set to start in Japan in September.
"The plane is being certified to the highest FAA standards," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager, 787 programme. "But the real focus of the travelling public will likely be on customer satisfaction and the elegance of the flight."
The 787 is a lightweight plane that promises 20 percent greater fuel efficiency to operators than similarly sized planes. Boeing says 50 percent of the primary structure will be made of composite materials instead of aluminium.
Aviation experts expect Boeing to apply the technology to future planes.
The interior of the first aircraft includes 264 seats -- 12 business and 252 economy -- with personal television sets, roomier seats, an automatic toilet with a wash function, more storage, an arched entry way with a beverage bar, dimmable windows and larger lavatories.
Boeing is about three years behind schedule in delivering the first 787 largely because of snags in the unusually complex global supply chain.
The 787 is almost finished with flight tests and is set for delivery to ANA in September.
Boeing has taken 827 orders for the Dreamliner, a record number for a Boeing plane still in development. ANA has ordered 55 of the planes that list for about USD$200 million.
Boeing is developing two versions of the Dreamliner. The first, the 787-8, will carry 210 to 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles. A second version, the 787-9, will carry 250 to 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles.
Boeing also has been talking about a third, larger variant, the 787-10, and says it is seeing strong airline interest in the plane.

Source: Reuters