This weekend the first 787-9 Dreamliner rolled out of Boeing’s Everett facility on its way to Air New Zealand. Similar to the standard 787, the new “9” variant is one of the first planes to extensively use composite materials in its construction. Because of these composite materials the 787 line is said to be 20 percent more fuel efficient.
According the Boeing, the new Dreamliner series can also keep cabins under higher pressure with lower humidity, and give passengers a greater view on their travels with its larger electrochromic windows. Additionally, the 787s sport dual engines that can power the craft to Mach .85 (913km/h; 567mph).
While the 787-9 has a lot of similarities to the original 787-8, it differs in some key ways. First, the new 9 is 6 meters (20ft) longer, with a total length of 63 meters (206ft). With that additional space Boeing has made room for 40 more passengers, upping the total number to 290.
Given its fuel efficiency, the 787-9 has also boosted its range by 555 km (345 miles) giving the plane an effective range of 15,844 km (9,845 miles). With that range the 787-9 could fly from New York to Hong Kong (12,962 km; 8,054 miles) without getting to fumes.
In the coming weeks two more 787-9’s are expected to be completed.
Images and Video Courtesy of Boeing & AeroMexico