Boeing, one of the largest plane manufacturers in the world, has announced plans to take the 787 Dreamliner on a world tour.
The Dreamliner has been dubbed the “plastic plane” because it is made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, making it lighter and stronger than traditional aluminium aircraft. Boeing also claims that it is up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the same size aircraft flying today and will cut CO2 emissions for airlines.
Now Boeing intends to showcase the plane to airlines around the world. The December schedule for the 787 Dream Tour includes six stops in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with more destinations planned for early 2012.
The December dates for the Dreamliner tour include: China from 4-11 December, with stops in Beijing, Guangzhou and Haikou; Africa from 11-16 December, with stops in Addis Ababba, Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya; and the Middle East from 16 – 19 December, stopping in Doha.
Aviation fans can follow the progress of the 787 tour at www.newairplane.com. Videos, photos and reports will be featured on the site, starting with the first international stop next week.
“The 787 Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane and we’re delighted to be able to bring this innovative product to our customers who will soon be receiving their own 787s,” said Ray Conner, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“This airplane is now changing the way the world flies, and we want to share that excitement with as many people as we can.”
The much-anticipated maiden commercial flight of the Dreamliner took place at the end of October – carrying passengers from Tokyo to Hong Kong. All Nippon Airways is also flying Frankfurt-Tokyo this winter with the new Boeing Dreamliner 787 jet, the first intercontinental route for this new-generation jet.
Last week was the best ever week for Boeing sales, with orders and commitments for 359 aeroplanes.
(Image: guerric)
