You’ve seen the 787 roll out. Now you want to know: When can you fly on a Boeing Co. 787?
Not before May 2008, that’s for sure. That’s when Boeing will deliver its first Dreamliner to All Nippon Airways of Japan.
Even after that, however, your chances will be slim for some time, especially if you’re flying within the United States.
“It’s going to be a while,” said Paul Nisbet, an analyst with JSA Research.
Only two U.S. carriers have ordered Boeing’s 787s so far: Continental and Northwest airlines. Together, they have ordered a total of 43 Dreamliners.
However, Nisbet pointed out, Boeing will deliver a relatively large number of Dreamliners over the first two years, though mostly to airlines outside the United States. By the end of 2009, Boeing intends to send customers home with 112 total Dreamliners.
Keep in mind, the last time Boeing introduced a new airplane, its 777, the company delivered 13 jets the first year. Deliveries of the first 777 began in May 1995. The following year, in 1996, the company delivered 32 of the 777s and another 59 in 1997.
If Boeing reaches its goal of 112 Dreamliner deliveries by the end of 2009, it will have outpaced the first two years of 777 deliveries by a 2-to-1 ratio.
To increase 787 production, Boeing faces limiting factors unlike those it has grappled with in the past. By placing more responsibility on its supplying partners to deliver major pieces ready to be assembled, Boeing is limited by the suppliers’ willingness to increase production.
For some of those suppliers, such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the cost of increasing production could be pretty steep. The huge autoclaves suppliers use to cure composite parts come with a $300 million price tag.
Boeing officials maintain they won’t ramp up rates on the 787 until they’re comfortable with the production method.
In the meantime, passengers intent on flying the Dreamliner should look east, at Asian carriers such as Japan’s JAL International, Air China or Air India.
Cabin improvements
Because it’s made mostly with composite materials, the 787 can have larger windows. They also can be dimmed without using shades. The composite fuselages, which aren’t subject to corrosion, mean the jet’s cabin can have a higher humidity for passenger comfort. And the cabin’s air pressure can also be lower, also aiding comfort. The seats are more comfortable with more legroom.
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