Description:
The newest Boeing 7E7, dubbed Dreamliner, is a family of airplanes in the 200 to 350-seat class intended to carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 km to 15,750 km). It has been developed to be super-efficient in fuel consumption with reduced environmental impact while providing high comfort for the passengers.
The Boeing 7E7 family of airplanes can be powered alternatively by both the General Electric's GENX (General Electric Next Generation) and Rolls Royce's Trent 1000 depending on customers needs. Two engines will enable the Dreamliner to fly at a cruise speed of Mach 0.85, while using less fuel (approximately -20%) than current airliners of the same class.
The 7E7 will be offered in three main versions: baseline (7E7-8), short (7E7-3) and stretch (7E7-9). The baseline and short versions are expected to enter into service in 2008 while the stretch model could enter into service in 2010 or later depending on marketplace. Each version can be configured in single (baseline and stretch version), two (short version) or three (baseline and stretch version) classes. Each configuration can accommodate a different number of seat/passengers.
The keys of the Dreamliner are the majority of the fuselage and wing made of composite materials, unprecedented open architecture for rapid configuration and addition of new characteristics, more efficient engines developed by GE and RR, and new construction and design techniques.
Boeing forecasts up to 3,500 7E7 jetliners being ordered through the life of the program which would last between 20 and 40 years. In the next few years before entry into service of the first Dreamliner scheduled for 2008, the Boeing company could receive orders totaling 200 to 500 airplanes.
The Boeing 7E7-9 long-range, wide body, airliner could enter into service in 2010 depending on marketplace. It will be capable of carrying 257 passengers in a three-class configuration over a range of 8,300 nautical miles (15,372 kilometers). The 7E7-9 will be the largest airplane of the 7E7 family of aircraft.
The People's Republic of China signed an important preliminary agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 60 Boeing 7E7 Dreamliners for six Chinese carriers on January 28, 2005. The Chinese carriers were Air China , China Eastern, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. The agreement was valued at $7.2 billion with the first airplanes due for delivery in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In parallel, Boeing made public that the 7E7 Dreamliner was following the 7-series tradition with the 787 Dreamliner designation.
Boeing and Air Canada announced an important agreement on 25 April 2005 to renew the fleet of the Canadian carrier including 36 Boeing 777 jetliners and up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The agreement was valued at $6 billion at list prices. Air Canada agreed to buy 18 firm order 777s plus purchase rights on 18 additional aircraft. The 777 models were not yet determined but it was anticipated to consist of 777-300ER, 777-200LR Worldliner and 777 freighters with deliveries beginning in 2006. The carrier also ordered 14 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners and took options on another 46 787 aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2010. Final agreement announcement was expected by mid-2005. On 18 June 2005, Air Canada cancelled the order due to conflicts with the employees which were undermining the company's wealth. Finally, the purchase contract was signed on November 9, 2005. Boeing 777 deliveries were delayed to 2007 while 787 deliveries were due to commence in 2010 as originally planned.
On June 14, 2006, Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced its intention to purchase 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with deliveries starting in 2011 through 2013. The final agreement was announced on October 11, 2006, and included purchase rights for 20 additional 787-9s.
As of May 2007, Boeing had sold six 787-9 VIP jets.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 257
Dimensions: Diameter 5.7 m, Length 61.6 m, Wingspan 58.8 m
Weights: Max Weight 227 t
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 140,000 lb (63,504 kg)
Performance: Cruise Speed 283 mps (Mach 0.85), Max Range 15,372 km (8,300 nm)
Australia
Canada
Chile
Fiji / 8 
Aircraft ordered by Air Pacific (8)
Israel / 2 
New Zealand / 8 
Nigeria / 7 
Aircraft ordered by Arik Air (7)
Singapore / 20 
United Arab Emirates / 35 
Aircraft ordered by Etihad Airways (35)
United Kingdom / 31 
Aircraft ordered by Virgin Atlantic (15); British Airways (16)
United States of America / 69