Words by Hugh Morris
British Airways has released a timelapse video showing how one of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes was built from scratch.
Now the most technologically advanced aircraft in the airline’s fleet, the 787-9 Dreamliner is 6.5 metres longer than its 787-8 predecessor, and therefore able to house British Airways' new premium class – eight seats in the First cabin.
The four-minute video shows the arrival of the aircraft’s fuselage on Boeing’s Dreamlifter, the plane manufacturer's cargo aircraft, as well as the aircraft’s wings, for assembly in a hangar. It also shows workers fitting the aircraft’s engines, landing gear and interior.
The Dreamliner’s coat is then completed and the British Airways livery painted on, before the plane is ready for action.
The first of the carrier’s 22 aircraft arrived at Heathrow in time for its first commercial flight scheduled for October 25 when it wwas due to start flying to Delhi. It will now go through an intensive “entry into service” programme, which includes ground trials and familiarisation trips, a spokesperson from the airline said.
A further three 787-9s will arrive before the end of the year.
Mitch Preston, the pilot to land the plane at Heathrow last week, said: “I was lucky enough to bring our first 787-8 to Heathrow in 2013 too.
“Flying with just the small delivery team on board is a very different experience to a normal flight with customers on board.”
After Delhi, the next routes to be introduced for the 216-seater aircraft, will be Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kuala Lumpur and Austin.
The focus of British Airways’ pride with regards to the new plane is its First cabin, the most premium of four classes available on the aircraft.
Previously most First class cabins had 14 seats. However, the 787-9’s luxury offering will seat just eight customers, allowing for more space and additional perks, including a smartphone-controlled in-flight entertainment system, with a 23-inch screen.
This article was written by Hugh Morris from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
