Air India's tryst with Boeing 787 Dreamliner: A dream come true

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On 08th September 2012, Air India welcomes it's latest addition into it's fleet. This is the stuff dreams are made of "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner", redefining passenger experience, environmental performance, lower operating cost and better economic performance. It's wings, tail, nose and flight deck windows have all been engineered for the maximum aerodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel burn.

With it's sophisticated, futuristic design, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the most refined aircraft in the sky. The Dreamliner's spacious architecture, stowage space, cleaner, healthier air, lower cabin altitude and dimmable-windows ensure a smoother and unrivalled passenger experience.

The aircraft interior is configured to accommodate 256 seats, comprising 18 Business Class flat-bed seats at 74 inch pitch and 238 Economy Class seats at 33 inch pitch, with 6 inch recline.

The state-of-the-art In-Flight Entertainment system (Top Series i8000), capable of AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) in all cabins is supplied by M/s Thales - USA. The system with large LCD display screens is designed to provide advanced features and enhancements to the passengers. A USB port is provided in all cabins capable of connecting Passenger Electronic Devices e.g. Digital Camera, Keyboard, MP3 Player, Mobile phone charging. Also, an overhead video Broadcast is provided on the 15.4 inch LCD monitors throughout the cabin.

The Boeing 787 cabin is pressured to a maximum of 6000 feet/1800 meter, compared to as high as 8000 feet/2400 meter for other aircraft. Testing shows that passengers experience fewer headaches and less fatigue at 6000 feet/1800 meter than at higher altitudes. The Boeing 787 cabin environment allows more oxygen to be absorbed into the blood reducing headaches and dizziness. Passengers will feel more refreshed and be ready to go, when they arrive on Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Boeing 787 system includes a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to remove bacteria, viruses and fungi. An additional new gaseous filtration system also removes odors, irritants and gaseous contaminants. This creates a cabin environment with fewer complaints of headaches, dizziness, or throat and eye irritation, due to dryness.

Passengers aboard the Boeing 787 will benefit from a smoother ride. The airplane is equipped with a system that senses turbulence and commands wing control surfaces to counter it, greatly smoothing out the ride.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flies faster than any other commercial airliner, except the Boeing 747. The Boeing 787 and the Boeing 747 share the distinction of being the world's fastest jetliners.

The Boeing 787 is the first commercial jet airplane to be built primarily of composite materials which resist fatigue and corrosion that affect aluminum airplanes resulting in easy and economical maintenance. The Boeing 787 is powered with two GEnx-1B64 engines which have a thrust rating of 63800 lbs. The next-generation engine technology of the Boeing 787 is provided by Boeing's engine partners, General Electric. The engines and other improvements enable the Boeing 787 to fly farther, faster, cleaner, quieter and more efficiently than comparable airplanes. Modern cabin noise control system prevents noise and vibrations to enter the cabin. A provision is made to carry additional flying crew in the Overhead Flight Crew Rest (OFCR) area, which is equipped with two sleeping bunks and one seat.

Innovation to redefine the total passenger experience

• Wider seats and aisles
• Bigger windows, 65% larger than the competition
• Quiet
• Innovative lighting
• Bigger bins
• Improved cabin environment (lower altitude, cleaner air and higher humidity)

Visionary design - technologies that create value

• Advanced composite primary structure - significant weight reduction and resistance to fatigue and corrosion, leading to lower maintenance costs and lower landing fees
• Quieter, cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines
• Innovative flexible interior
• Modern flight deck - mixed fleet flying with other Boeing airplanes
• Increased residual value and life-cycle design approach
• Standardization (e.g. interchangeable engine)

It's an airplane that looks different - a new cabin architecture featuring larger bins and windows, new lighting, new side walls and ceiling and a new entry way. Whats more, you'll feel different after a long flight due to cleaner air, lower cabin altitude and a smoother ride.

The Dreamliner indeed, offers features to match our dreams and is set to be a game-changer in the annals of Indian aviation!

Air India looks forward to welcoming you onboard The Dreamliner.