Boeing's Dreamliner sets standards for efficiency and passenger comfort

Launched in 2004 with its maiden flight in December 2009, the Dreamliner entered commercial service in October 2011. The original 787-8 model was later joined by stretched versions—the 787-9 and 787-10—which offer increased range and capacity. Unlike larger jets such as the Airbus A380 that require significant airport infrastructure upgrades, the Dreamliner's size allows it access to more airports worldwide.

Fuel efficiency is a key advantage: compared to older models like the Boeing 747-400, the Dreamliner consumes up to 50% less fuel. This makes it possible for airlines to operate direct routes such as Houston-Lagos or Denver-Tokyo profitably even with fewer passengers onboard. Qantas notably used a Boeing 787-9 for its first non-stop Perth-London service—a flight lasting over 17 hours—and conducted research into ultra-long-haul operations using this type before opting for another model for future projects.

Development of what became known as 'Project Yellowstone' began in 2001. By April 2004, All Nippon Airways (ANA) placed an order for fifty units worth $6 billion—the largest launch order in Boeing’s history at that time. Production involves international collaboration: wings are made in Japan; wingtips in South Korea; fuselage sections in Italy; doors in France and Japan; fairings in Canada; landing gear in the UK; with final assembly taking place at facilities in Everett, Washington and Charleston, South Carolina.

Airlines value the Dreamliner not only for cost savings but also for flexibility—it can be used to test new markets before deploying larger jets if demand increases. Since entering service in 2011, it has enabled airlines to open over four hundred new direct routes globally.

As of August 2025, more than twelve hundred units have been delivered across three variants: nearly four hundred of the original -8 version; six hundred eighty-one of the -9; and one hundred twenty-six of the -10. Production continues at an average rate expected to reach eighty-four completed aircraft by year-end.

Technical innovations include flexible wings allowing higher cruising altitudes above turbulence—saving both time and fuel—and engines that are quieter while reducing emissions by powering only essential systems rather than air conditioning units directly from engine bleed air.

The composite construction accounts for half of each plane’s weight—allowing large sections to be manufactured separately then assembled quickly at Boeing’s plants. This process now takes just two or three days per unit.

According to Boeing: "a dream to experience" and "a dream to operate." Airlines continue choosing this model because it supports their environmental goals—ninety-four percent of each retired jet’s weight can be recycled—and helps them grow efficiently within competitive markets.

All Nippon Airways remains one of its largest operators after being launch customer with fifty initial orders; today ANA operates ninety-one Dreamliners out of which eighty-three are active. Globally there have been over two thousand orders from eighty-nine customers since launch—with more than one billion passengers flown on five million flights since entry into service.