Boeing 7E7

Artists impression Boeing.

The Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner (from January 28, 2005 will be known as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner) is a super-efficient airplane with new passenger-pleasing features. It will bring the economics of large jet transports to the middle of the market, using 20 percent less fuel than any other airplane of its size. Customers will enjoy forty- to sixty-percent more cargo revenue capacity.

In addition to improving airplane performance and team efficiency, computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing contribute to safety, the ultimate design goal.

More than 15,000 hours of wind tunnel time will be logged to develop the Boeing 7E7.

- Boeing 7E7-300 Dreamliner, optimized for shorter flights, will carry 289 passengers in two classes up to 6.500 kilometers.

- Boeing 7E7-800 Dreamliner will carry 217 passengers in three classes, with a range of up to 15.700 kilometers.

- Boeing 7E7-900 Dreamliner, a longer version of the 7E7-800, will carry 257 passengers in three classes up to 15,400 kilometers.

The Boeing Company's board of directors has approved the formal launch on April 26th, 2004 of the new 7E7 Dreamliner passenger jet based on firm order for 50 7E7s from ANA (All Nippon Airways) and the overall strong business case for the new airplane. The ANA order is the largest launch order in history for a new Boeing commercial jet. Production will begin in 2006. First flight is expected in 2007 with certification, delivery and entry into service occurring in 2008

Large 7E7 assemblies will be transported to the final assembly site on board modified 747-400s. This transport plan will result in saving of 20 to 40 percent over traditional shipping methods and reduce the amount of time it takes the large parts to arrive at the final assembly site from as many as 30 days to only one day. Boeing estimates the savings of using air transport instead of shipping will be recouped within the first few years of production of the 7E7.