The Boeing 787 Dreamliner took to the sky for the first time today, heralding a new era in air travel as it departed before an estimated crowd of more than 12,000 employees and guests from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. The flight marks the beginning of a flight test programme that will see six airplanes flying nearly around the clock and around the globe, with the airplane’s first delivery scheduled for fourth quarter 2010.

Boeing 787

The 787 Dreamliner will offer passengers a better flying experience and provide airline operators greater efficiency to better serve the point-to-point routes and additional frequencies passengers prefer. The technologically-advanced 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than today’s airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and present passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 of the 787s, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.