After continuous delays, Boeing’s long-awaited 787 Dreamliner became a reality as it was formally delivered to its first Japanese customer – All Nippon Airways (ANA).
The 787 development program has been delayed seven times due to challenges with engineering and other issues. These included supply chain glitches and a 58-day labor strike in 2008.
Boeing has taken orders for 821 Dreamliners, which will compete with the future Airbus A350, due in 2013.
The plane's lighter weight allows airlines to operate routes even when the demand is insufficient for larger aircraft like the Boeing 777 or 747, or the Airbus 380 superjumbo.
The Dreamliner’s first regular international service will be on ANA’s new route from Haneda to Frankfurt, starting January 2012. The aircraft will also be used on the Haneda-Beijing route from December.
Watch video of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner first flight back in 2009.
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