On the right is ZA003 in the old livery and to the left is ZA003 in the new. But why? Both photos from Boeing.
This is the same Boeing 787 Dreamliner (ZA003 / N787BX), but in two different paint schemes. Previously, there was only one aircraft with the “Dreamliner livery’ — ZA001. All the rest were painted either in a “light” or ANA livery. Then a few days ago, Boeing unveiled ZA003 in and updated “Dreamliner livery,” but why? I am not exactly sure and Boeing is not currently saying.
ZA003, in its new livery, landing at Boeing Field (BFI). Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren.
It is possible that Boeing will use ZA003 to promote the 787 around the world. I thought maybe they were using ZA003 at the Seoul Air Show, but ZA001 arrived instead. According to Boeing’s Flickr page: “ZA003, the third 787 Dreamliner built by Boeing, just got a new paint job. We’ve got big plans for this airplane. It’s too early to provide details, but stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks.” That does not really give any clues.
ZA003 at Boeing Field (BFI). Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren.
So what do you think? Why did Boeing spend the money to paint over a perfectly good paint scheme? I am sure they must have a plan.
Thanks to Jeremy for sharing his photos.
United's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is pulled out of the factory. Image from Boeing. Click for Larger.
Wednesday night, Boeing pulled out United Airline’s first 787 Dreamliner from the factory and off the final assembly line. The first 787 Dreamliner has already been delivered to the launch customer, ANA, but United will be the first North American airline to take delivery of the new aircraft. From United’s press release: “While in final assembly, the aircraft moved through four factory positions, including the final aircraft body join, landing gear installation, weight-on-wheels testing and installation of interior components and systems. Over the next several months, the aircraft will move to the next phase of completion, which includes final cabin configuration, installation of engines and painting.”
United's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner gets pulled in front of the factory located in Everett, WA. Photo by Boeing. Click for larger.
United will configure their first 787 with 36 seats in BusinessFirst, 63 seats in Economy Plus and 120 seats in Economy. There was some speculation if United might be offering a special livery, but I doubt it. When I was on the factory floor recently, the tail was definitely a solid blue, which matches United’s current “new” livery. With United recently switching their brand over from the tulip to the globe, it wouldn’t really make sense for them to also introduce a special livery. Normally I am all for any livery that spices things up, but at this stage it would just cause brand confusion.
Nose show of United Airline's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner outside the factory at Paine Field. Photo by Boeing. Click for larger.
Although the exact date of delivery is unknown, United told AirlineReporter.com that they expect to get their first 787 during the, “second half of 2012.” It will be the first of 50 that the airline has on order.
During ANA’s delivery events, media was invited to take a tour of JA802A, the second 787 Dreamliner that will be delivered to ANA. Here are some of the photos:
JA802A sitting on the tarmac at Paine Field in Everett, WA. It has the same special 787 livery as the first 787 for ANA, JA801A.
The best seats in the house. This is the cockpit of the 787 with large "glass" screen. Who wants to go for a ride?
The Boeing flight line from the flight deck window of the 787 Dreamliner. Next door is Lufthansa's first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.
The inside of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner feels roomy and provides a lot of natural light. All the windows were set by the master controls for a partial tint.
Each window has five different tint settings. These windows show three of the settings. Even with the darkest setting, you can still see outside.
VIEW ALL 27 PHOTOS OF ANA’S SECOND 787, JA802A
Boeing 787 Dreamliner ZA001. Check it out.
Do you like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner? Of course you do. Do you live in the Seattle area? Well, if you do come check out the very first Boeing 787 Dreamliner (ZA001) at the Museum of Flight on October 9th from 10am to 5pm. Here is the schedule:
10 am to 5 pm: 787 Number One on view in the Museum parking lot. Free. Up-close viewing with Museum admission. Flight simulators in the Museum’s Aviation Learning Center configured to fly like 787. Free with admission to the Museum.
11 am: Dreamliner Family Workshop. Free with admission to the Museum. ’œTip-to-Tail Tour’ of 787. Free with admission to the Museum.
1 pm: Dreamliner Family Workshop. Free with admission to the Museum.
1:30 pm: Lecture: Dreamliner Program Overview with Boeing Chief Pilot Randy Neville. A pilot who flew the plane on its historic first flight, Boeing Chief Pilot Randy Neville, will talk about the Dreamliner program during a 1:30 p.m. presentation at the Museum. Neville will provide an overview of the Dreamliner and its test flights. Since the maiden flight on Dec. 15, 2009, specially outfitted 787s have been actively flying in an extensive and demanding flight program to test the new technologies developed for Dreamliner. The 787 has since achieved FAA certification, and deliveries of new 787 airliners recently began on Sept. 26, 2011.
3 pm: ’œTip-to-Tail Tour’ of 787. Free with admission to the Museum.
Unfortunately, there will not be access to the interior of ZA001, but it doesn’t really have an interior anyhow, so that is okay. To learn more, check out the Museum of Flight’s website.
United's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
It is always a special treat to get inside the Boeing Factory. Even more so, when one is able to bring a camera. During the standard Boeing Factory tour, guests are not allowed to take any photos. Even during special media events where Boeing has allowed cameras, they have not allowed journalists the opportunity to be on the 787 factory floor. During ANA’s delivery event, media was invited to take a tour of the 787 Dreamliner line, on the factory floor and I wanted to share some of the photos.
An Ethiopian Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the factory floor.
United's first Dreamliner from the factory floor.
A completed nose section of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the factory floor.
Ethiopian, United and Air India Boeing 787s.
APU on the back of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Check out the 777 stairs that have been modified for 787 use.
CHECK OUT MORE BOEING FACTORY PHOTOS
and some from ANA’s 787 delivery ceremony
