787 Dreamliner becomes reality three years behind schedule

Boeing delivers first of new-generation planes in lightweight carbon fibre to Japan's All Nippon Airways

Boeing has delivered its first 787 Dreamliner to Japanese customer All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Boeing says its carbon fibre design cuts fuel consumption by 20% and the plane gives passengers a more comfortable ride with better cabin air and large electronically dimmable windows.

The first $200m plane arrived three years behind schedule after persistent delays that cost Boeing billions of dollars.

The plane will enter service in October. Boeing has taken orders for 821 Dreamliners, which will compete with the Airbus A350, due in 2013.

ANA said the plane could go 52% further than the metal-framed Boeing 767 while using 20% less fuel for the distance flown.

Boeing's use of composites has forced Airbus to turn its back on the aluminium airframe for its next generation of jets.

ANA has ordered 55 Dreamliners worth a total of $11bn at current prices. Forty of them are the 260-passenger 787-8 version.

The Seattle Times reported on Sunday that 787 programme costs had topped $32bn due to delays. That estimate raised questions, the newspaper said, over whether the new jet would make money for Boeing before "well into the 2020s, if ever". Analysts say new jets typically cost closer to $15bn. Boeing also faces Wall Street concerns over its ability to reach its target of lifting output to 10 planes a month by 2013.


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