The first completed Dreamliner was rolled out on July 8, 2007. Its maiden flight took place in December 2009 after delays related to supply chain and technical issues. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the aircraft in August 2011. All Nippon Airways received the first delivery that September and operated the inaugural commercial flight from Tokyo Narita to Hong Kong later that year.
Since then, Boeing has introduced three variants: the initial short-bodied 787-8; the longer-range 787-9 introduced by ANA in 2014; and the longest version, the 787-10, introduced by Singapore Airlines in April 2018. More than 1,200 units have been delivered so far.
The Dreamliner features composite materials for about half its primary structure—contributing to reduced weight and improved range. It is powered by either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, with up to 76,000 pounds of thrust depending on model variant. Raked wingtips help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Inside, Boeing focused on passenger comfort with higher ceilings, sculpted sidewalls for a spacious feel, larger overhead bins, advanced LED lighting that mimics natural daylight cycles, better insulation for noise reduction, and cabin pressurization set at lower altitudes than traditional airliners.
One standout feature is its large windows—about thirty percent bigger than those found on other passenger jets—and their electrochromic dimming technology that replaces conventional window shades. These design choices aim to provide passengers with more natural light and improved views outside during flight.
Boeing says these larger windows were possible because of advances made with composite fuselage construction: "Overall, Boeing was able to accomplish the larger windows mostly due to the newly designed composite fuselage structure. The engineering team was able to add larger window cutouts without compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft."
Operators of the Dreamliner include airlines such as ANA (with over eighty-five units), United Airlines (seventy-eight), American Airlines (sixty-three), Qatar Airways (fifty-four), Japan Airlines (forty-five), Etihad Airways (forty-four), British Airways (forty-two), and Air Canada (forty). Cabin configurations vary widely among carriers; some offer premium suites while others focus on economy layouts optimized for seat pitch or privacy options.
According to Boeing: "Boeing developed the 787 Dreamliner with uniquely large and advanced windows as part of a broader mission to redefine the flying experience and address longstanding passenger complaints. Boeing wanted to break away from the small windows typically utilized on other aircraft and instead create a more open cabin that felt less confined."
The company also states: "Instead of traditional pull-down shades, Boeing introduced electrochromic dimming technology. This allows passengers to adjust the tint of the window electronically, which further improves the aesthetics of the cabin."
These innovations are intended not only to improve comfort but also to differentiate Boeing’s offering in a competitive market focused increasingly on passenger experience.
Alerts Sign-up
