First Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Be Delivered to Japan

After several years of delay, the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is set to be delivered to a customer in Japan and will make its first passenger flight this fall.

Boeing sold the world's first lightweight composites jetliner to All Nippon Airways (ANA), signing the formal documents to complete the delivery on Sunday.

Boeing's vice president and general manager of the 787 program said the $200 million aircraft was legally transferred to All Nippon Airways, according to Reuters.

Nearly 800 Dreamliners have been ordered by airlines, as it is described as the most advanced, fuel-efficient and comfortable passenger jet ever created with long-haul flight capabilities.

The 787 Dreamliner was scheduled to take flight by May 2008, but production and design problems delayed the long-range jet from being sold. According to The Wall Street Journal, the first commercial service from the Dreamliner will begin with domestic flights in Japan in November, followed by the first international flight from Tokyo to Frankfurt, scheduled for January.

The spacious Dreamliner is made of largely plastic composite materials instead of aluminum, to provide a more comfortable environment for passengers than other aluminum-based long-haul passenger planes.

The twin-aisle plane features 30 percent larger windows than comparably sized planes, as well as larger luggage storage, electronic dimming on windows (which provide the ability to see outside when dimmed) and improved air pressure and humidity levels, in addition to long-haul flight capabilities.

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance, Boeing said in the 787 Dreamliner specifications. The airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today's similarly sized airplanes. It will also travel at a similar speed as today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity. Passengers will also see improvements on the 787 Dreamliner, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Dreamliner is the first new class of aircraft from Boeing since the 777 in 1995. Boeing says the Dreamliner will provide new solutions for airlines and passengers.

Japan's All Nippon Airways, along with Boeing, will have a delivery ceremony in front of the 787 factory on Monday with the Dreamliner scheduled to fly to Tokyo on Tuesday, according to the AP. The first delivery of the 787 Dreamliner will also be broadcast live beginning at 9 a.m. PDT on Boeing's Web site.