China Southern Boeing 787 Dreamliner B-2727 lands at Paine Field earlier today. Photograph by Michael O’Leary.
The world-wide fleet of Boeing 787 might be grounded, but Boeing flew one Dreamliners from Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas to Everett. The ferry-flight only contained Boeing employees and was used to run a test on the lithium-ion batteries. During the flight, the battery had to be closely monitored and no issues were reported.
Some in the media are reporting the aircraft was in Texas for painting. Maybe it could been having touch up work, but the aircraft, B2727, has been painted since late 2012.
The FAA approved this ferry-flight, but has not approved future test flights. Hopefully we will be able to see more 787 test flights in the air soon. See video of the landing on KING5.
A China Southern Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives a Paine Field in Everett Thursday. All other Dreamliners are grounded. Boeing was granted permission to fly this aircraft to Everett. Photography by Michael O’Leary.
China Southern’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to be delivered readies for take off at Paine Field. Photo by Malcolm Muir.
A China Southern Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner in special livery took its first flight yesterday at Paine Field and AirlineReporter.com correspondent Malcolm Muir was there to catch it in action. One of the first chilly and windy days in Seattle made it a bit more difficult, but you have to be ready for unfriendly weather if you plan spot in Everett.
China Southern’s 787 taxis at Paine Field. Photo by Malcolm Muir.
For some reason, the airline still has not been publicly talked about the livery and is almost seeming to try to keep it a secret. This is unfortunate, since many spotters have already caught the impressive new design. It is currently rumored that nine out of the ten China Southern 787s will sport this special livery.
“The livery stands out really well against the other aircraft and definitely an improvement over standard china southern livery,” Muir explained. I have to agree. I have been able to see this livery up close on the flight line and it is more breath taking in person than the photos can show.
Spotting a 787 at Paine Field would not be complete without a head-on shot. Photo by Malcolm Muir.
China Southern’s standard livery is not too shabby looking, but quite a bit more conservative than this special 787 design.
The Dreamliner, B-2727, took off a bit after noon on Friday and according to FlightAware.com, flew for about an hour and 40 minutes over Washington state before returning to Everett.
And lift off. China Southern’s 787 is about to go on a 1hr 40min flight and return back to Paine Field. Photo by Malcolm Muir.
China Southern was originally scheduled to take delivery of their first 787 by the end of September, but that obviously has not happened yet.
The airline is the third to offer a special livery of their 787 Dreamliner after ANA and United.
