Boeing delivers Thomson Airway’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Paine Field. Image from Boeing.
Keep on flying Dreamliners!
Yesterday, Boeing delivered first 787 Dreamliners to two different airlines: Thomson Airways and China Southern Airlines.
Although there was not much fanfare with Thomson’s 787 departing Everett, thousands were at Manchester Airport to welcome the aircraft. “After much anticipation, we are very excited to welcome the 787 Dreamliner to our fleet and as the first airline in the UK,” said Thomson Managing Director Chris Browne. “Customers will be amazed at the unique look, feel and service ’“ all of which will ensure the unique Thomson holiday experience starts as soon as they step on board this fabulous new aircraft.”
Thomson’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives to Manchester. Image from Boeing.
Thomson’s first 787 flight will commence on July 8th from Manchester to Florida and Glasgow to Cancun. The airline expects to take delivery of another seven Dreamliners, which will be configured with 47 premium and 244 economy seats.
China Southern’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner that was delivered, seen at Paine Field in October 2012. Photo by Malcolm Muir.
China Southern also took delivery of their first Dreamliner from Paine Field yesterday. “Today’s 787 delivery represents a significant new milestone in the strengthening partnership between Boeing and China,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We thank the Chinese government agencies, China Southern and all our Chinese customers, and suppliers for their support and contributions to the success of the Dreamliner program.”
The airline has an additional nine 787s on order and is the first Chinese airline to take delivery of the new aircraft. Although the China Southern Dreamliner sports a special livery, the airline does not seem too excited to celebrate it — at least not yet. That fact doesn’t change the fact that it is one beautiful livery.
According to the Australian Business Traveller, the airline is wasting little time and expects their first Dreamliner flight to start June 6th from Guangzhou and Beijing.
Boeing has quite a few Dreamliners to deliver. Although the aircraft was grounded for quite sometime, the aircraft manufacture kept on building the 787, causing some interesting parking situations at Paine Field. Although airlines and Boeing will be happy to see the aircraft delivered, AvGeeks might never see Paine Field with so many Dreamliners ever again. That is probably a good thing.
There is something about the colour blue on a 787 that looks terrific. The China Southern one is especially sharp!
How manyDreamliners has Thompson airways had delivered to date.