ANA's first 787 Dreamliner (JA801A) sits in the background at their second (JA802A) waits to take us for a ride.
When I first started this blog a little over three years ago, I never thought I would be one of the first people to ever fly on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This truly is a dream (liner) come true.
A nice little rainbow surprise when boarding the ANA 787 Dreamliner. This is not a standard lighting configuration, but it sure is groovy.
Over the years, I have closely followed the 787, through its many ups and downs and I was honored to be invited to Tokyo to take an excursion flight around Japan. The night before the flight I received little sleep and was up at 4 am, like a kid on Christmas.
JA802A is begging to go for a ride.
On Wednesday, October 27th, the 787 Dreamliner (JA801A) had its first revenue flight from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Hong Kong International Airport (HGK), but my experience was a bit different. Our flight was on JA802A, ANA’s second 787, which took off from NRT and experienced a 90 minute excursion, including flying over Mount Fuji — pretty rad.
We are on our way. Even though I did not have a window seat, I could see outside quite well. A Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-400 at Narita can be seen.
I had been on JA802A just a few weeks prior, while it sat at Paine Field, but this was much different. The energy being on JA802A with “real” passengers, when we are about ready to lift off was palatable. The flight contained some ANA VIP customers, representatives that ANA works closely with, the winners of ANA’s 787 photo contest and only four media representatives.
I was sitting in 9D, which is the inner aisle seat on the left side (SeatGuru.com already has its ANA 787 seating chart up), but I still had ample opportunity to look out the 787’s larger windows.
The plane was filled with a mixture of different people. I had seat 9D, which was the left side aisle seat.
“Please be seated, we are about to take off,” never sounded so good. After a short taxi, the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines started to spool up and what a glorious sound. Do not worry, it stayed very quiet in the cabin, but you could still enjoy the unique sound that the Dreamliner engines provide.
The 787’s take off was a smooth experience and I didn’t feel pinned to my seat, like on many other aircraft. The sound and ease of take off, felt very similar to the A380 (but the 787 was a bit quicker). As we lifted off, the passengers clapped and cheered — we were off!
This photo does not do the wing justice. The bend is MUCH more impressive in person.
I was really looking forward to seeing how the 787’s wing looked from inside the cabin while flying. The good news is it looked as cool as I was hoping; the bad news was the photo does not do it justice. The wing had an unbelievable bow, like I have never seen before. Airlines really should put a sign at the windows over the wings that state, “The wings are supposed to do that.” I can’t wait to see what they look like in turbulence.
I should have drunk more water before the flight so I could have tried out the bathroom with a window. Just took photos instead.
The flight was only 90 minutes and that didn’t leave a heck of a lot of time. I was up and down the aisles taking photos and videos, checking the views outside, the lavatory with a view and playing around with the in-flight entertainment system. I could have been on the plane for ten hours and still wanted more.
Mount Fuji as seen from ANA's second 787 Dreamliner (JA802A)
So, the big question is, “Was it what you thought it was going to be?” Yes — the Dreamliner is an incredible aircraft that will evolutionize air travel for many passengers. On paper, I think the Dreamliner will help to revolutionize airline transport due to a large leap in technology, efficiency and cabin comfort, but for most passengers they aren’t going to notice all the changes — but that is not a bad thing.
Check the AirlineReporter.com sticker on the Dreamliner! Don't worry ANA, I took it down.
For me and probably for most of you airline fans, the changes will easily be noticed. However, for the average passenger, they will feel the 787 just provided them with a great flight, but might not realize why. When airlines moved from props to jets, it was quite obvious of large change, but it is not as obvious with the 787 Dreamliner.
Haneda Airport, as seen from the 787 Dreamliner.
All that being said, I firmly believe the 787 Dreamliner will be the new standard in world travel. It is comfortable, quiet and beautiful. I feel that this aircraft will make many frequent fliers change their top airline choices based on the Dreamliner product.
My first flight on the Dreamliner was unreal, but I can’t wait to try one of a real, “normal,” scheduled flight to put it to the real test. It is great to think that in only a few short years, these Dreamliners will be flying all over the world — a world that I am excited to experience.
After landing back at Narita, I really did not want to get off the 787, but they made me.
SEE ALL 44 PHOTOS FROM MY FIRST BOEING 787 DREAMLINER FLIGHT
More Boeing 787 Dreamliner Stuff:
* Interior photo tour of JA802A while at Paine Field
* Jon Ostrower’s photos on his FlightBlogger site
* Photos and story from Ben M on USA Today
* Chris Sloan, Airchive.com/2C Media
* Video and photos from Guy Norris with Aviation Week
The official Boeing 787 Delivery ceremony starts tomorrow, but Boeing is hosting a variety of events today for media and guests on the 787 and ANA. The morning will start off with briefings on the interior of the 787, followed by information on ANA and then the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine. After lunch we will get additional information on the 787, followed by a trip to the Boeing Factory (they never get old) and the Dreamliner Gallery. I hope to keep updating this blog throughout the day with any interesting information and photos. You can also follow my Twitter account or #ANA787 (you do not need a Twitter account to follow) to experience more.
If you have any questions that you want me to ask of Boeing or ANA, post them in the comments and I will see what I can do. Alright, I am off to Everett, I will be updating this soon.
We will all be in this conference room for a few hours to get 787 briefings.
9:15AM
We are all in a Boeing meeting room and the events have started. First big announcement is at 8:10am this morning, Boeing officially transferred ownership of ANA’s first 787 Dreamliner (JA801A) to the airline.
We just watched a video highlighting 250 Boeing employees who took a special six hour flight on the 787 (jealous) and tested out all the in-flight features. From playing games on the seat back entertainment system to playing games on their own devices, passengers were able to show that the 787 is ready to take on a plane full of passengers.
9:30AM
There is Q&A about the interior of the 787 Dreamliner. Going over the benefits of the new 787 interior: increased humidity, tinting windows that flight attendants can dim all at once, LED lighting and connectivity.
Boeing stated that it is most likely that future airliners will have the tinting windows, like those found in the Dreamliner. Most airliners today have pressurization that is equal to being at about 8,000 feet.
Boeing completed research to find what the pressurization should be inside the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing rotated 500 people through mock cabins up to 20hours at a time to test out different pressures. Boeing found that sea level to 6,000 feet people did not report symptoms, but over that, people had side effects of the pressure. This means that the inside of the Dreamliner will feel like you are sitting at sea level to 6,000, reducing negative side effects.
9:45AM
The current Boeing panel was asked how the 787 Dreamliner has changed over the past three years due to delays. Airlines put in their orders years ago and trends and needs have changed. Boeing stated that airlines have minimal flexibility to make changes closer to delivery, but Boeing has been keeping an eye on trends to keep the 787 leading edge. Boeing has looked at upgrading seat models, updating in-flight entertainment, and keeping the colors and looks of the interior, relevant.
The 787 was designed to be a nine-abreast aircraft – ANA has configured their Dreamliners with eight across.
10:00AM
Through their research, Boeing found that a person’s first flight (take off, seeing your home town, etc) is a magical experience. When Boeing asked people to compare their first flight versus their most recent flight, obviously the feelings are very different. Researchers found that passengers find the airline experience “annoying,” and the 787 Dreamliner was designed to try to bring back the connection to flight.
Boeing stated that through their research, they have not found that passengers have concerns about the aircraft being made out of composite versus aluminum. Blake Emery, Director of Boeing Differentiation Strategy, stated that he only hears concerns about the composite when journalists ask the question.
10:15 AM
Boeing found that a seat configuration with three seats together is better since it increases the chance of a passenger having an empty seat. When asked how Boeing is handling passengers of size, they directed that question to the individual airline.
Takeo Kikuchi (left), All Nippon Airways' general manager for its Seattle office, shakes hands with Paul Baldwin, Boeing's Aircraft Contracts, after signing the final paperwork for contractual delivery of the first-ever 787 Dreamliner. Photo From Boeing.
The photo above was taken by Boeing during this morning when ANA signed contracts to take ownership of their first Dreamliner.
10:30AM
Great for Seattle people: Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is in talks with airlines about bringing 787 Dreamliner flights to Seattle. One of the “whys” for the Dreamliner is to allow airlines to provide a unique experience for their passengers and stands out against other aircraft.
We are about to have a little break. Afterwards we will hear from Satoru Fujiki, senior vice president of All Nippon Airways.
11:00AM
In 2010, ANA was #2 in revenue between Asian airlines, right behind JAL. Out of all airlines around the world, they are the 9th largest with 40million passengers per year. ANA operates 1,142 flights per day with 222 aircraft. The airline started operations with only domestic flights and today they still have the majority of their flights with-in Japan. They currently operate 126 flights domestically and 62 internationally. They plan to increase their international flights using the 787 Dreamliner.
Why did ANA choose to be the 787 launch customer? Because the 787 is: a medium-size aircraft, has 20% better fuel economy, is able to fly long-haul routes like Tokyo to New York and it provides a better cabin experience. “The Boeing 787 is truly a game changing aircraft,” Fujiki stated during his speech.
Satoru Fujiki, ANA senior vice president, answers questions about ANA and the 787.
11:20AM
Question was asked how ANA has been compensated for the 787 delays. Fujiki stated that ANA has been able to take additional deliveries of 767s and 777s.
ANA originally was interested in the short haul 787-3 for domestic flights. Since their flights would be so short using the -3, it wouldn’t have gotten the most out of the fuel efficiency, so they changed their orders to -8 and -9s.
It is very obvious that ANA and Fujiki are very excited about getting their 787 Dreamliner. I don’t think I have seen such a big smile on an executive’s face when he was asked about all the global-excitement for this aircraft.
Fujiki stated that Seattle, “is a candidate,” for future 787 Dreamliner service to Tokyo for ANA.
11:30AM
ANA does not yet know the date they will take their second 787. It will be configured for domestic flights. Fujiki stated since the 787 is heavier than was originally planned, these first aircraft are being put on domestic service. ANA hopes to have all 55 of their Dreamliners by 2015.
A short break and next Rolls-Royce will be talking about their Trent 1000 engine, which will be on ANA’s 787.
11:45AM
Bill Boyd Civil Aerospace Vice President of Rolls-Royce (RR) is currently speaking to our group about their Trent 1000 engine. RR has over 13,000 engines current in service with more than 500 customers. Statistically, ever 2.5 seconds an aircraft powered by RR engines takes off or lands.
Rolls’Royce has had a close relationship with Boeing in 1956 with the 707. RR has had engine options on almost all Boeing aircraft: 707, 717, 727, 747, 757, 767, 777 and now the 787.
Bill Boyd, Civil Aerospace Vice President, Boeing Programs, Rolls Royce is talking about the Trent 1000 engine on the ANA.
NOON:
The fan on the Trent 1000 engine is over nine feet in diameter. The fan tips exceed 900mph and the force on each fan blade at take off weighs the same of a freight train. The Trent 1000 has so much airflow through it, that it can suck the air out of two racquetball courts in one second.
The engine is certified to 74,000lb thrust and can fly 5.5hrs on one engine via ETOPS.
RR states that there is ability to grow the thrust of the engine that could work on a future, bigger 787 model (ie 787-10X).
12:20PM:
Rolls-Royce monitors information from all engines to look at how the engine is performing and if it might need some work by the time it lands. It allows RR to keep down time less and look at long-term trends. RR has live data coming in from engines around the world at all times.
We have been told we are going to take a tour of the inside of ANA’s second 787 Dreamliner. Then a tour of the Boeing factory and the Dreamliner Gallery. So, more interesting photos will be coming this afternoon. Now it is lunch time followed by a Q&A panel of Boeing folks on the 787.
1:10PM
And we are back. Boeing always has a way of providing good meals. All fueled up and ready for some more 787 action. Now it is time for a Q&A panel with Mike Sinnet, vice president and chief project engineer, 787 program, Mike Carriker, chief pilot, and Mike Flemming, 787 Services and Support. Should be good.
Scott and three Mikes.
1:20PM
When designing the flight deck on the 787, Boeing looked at every air accident to see what triggered those and what could they do to improve safety for pilots. They also spoke with airline customers on how they customize their aircraft.
Mike Carriker states that the cockpit met Boeing’s philosophical goals and economic goals.
1:30PM
If the pilot has the control stick in the center and the 787 hits turbulence, the aircraft knows the pilot wants to fly level and the aircraft will compensate to do so. The aircraft also tries to seek out pressure that causes turbulance and prepare for it. The Dreamliner can detect if there will be a vertical lift and help to dampen the gusts. Passengers will notice a reduction in bumpy approaches and motion sickness.
The 787 has about 18million source line of code, making the aircraft very computer reliant.
Chief pilot Mike Carriker almost has 1000 hours on the 787 Dreamliner.
1:40PM
Boeing states that the 787 will be the backbone of future aircraft development.
The 787 was designed to try to limit as much wiring as possible due to its cost and weight. The Dreamliner has about 60 miles of wiring, which is 25 miles less than the 767. Compare that to the 328 miles found on the A380.
Each 787 has the ability to create 1.45 megawatts of energy and it pulls less of its energy from the engines, saving money and allowing the engines to have more power to do what they were made to do — fly the plane.
2:00 PM
When asked if the 787 is as big of a leap forward as the 747 was, Scott Fancher, Vice President and General Manage of the 787 program answered that the Dreamliner, “is as big of a leap forward as the 707 was.”
Boeing is in process of building tools for the Boeing 787-9.
2:10PM
The Dreamliner has many safety features to reduce the likelihood of a stall. For certification, they had to turn off the system, so the aircraft would be able to stall and show it could recover.
The South Carolina 787 line is very similar to the line in Everett. It could have the potential to produce as many aircraft as Everett. There will be a third “surge” line set up in Everett.
Make sure to read this interesting story by Dominic Gates at the Seattle Times on the overall costs of the 787 and the difficult time Boeing will have on recovering their costs.
Q&A is over. We are now going to break into two groups, where one group will go to ANA’s 2nd aircraft and the other half to the factory — then swap.
3:00PM
In the Boeing Factory. On the way in, can see they are setting up for the delivery celebration with a standard ANA livery 787 with a stage going up.
Outside the factory, Boeing is setting up for the delivery celebration. Looks like a standard livery 787 ANA will join in.
Another special treat is seeing United Airline’s first Boeing 787, which I posted a gallery previously, but nice to see it in person. I am told we will be able to get down on the 787 factory floor WITH cameras, which will be a first for me.
United's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the factory floor.
3:50PM
Still making our way through the factory. I took many photos that I will be sharing later, but a few fun ones. I am writing this with my laptop on a trash can right now in front of United’s first 787. Pretty cool.
Nose shot of United's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It is aircraft #45.
Check out the stairs up next to this Air India. Modified 777 stairs maybe?
This comes in as one piece. Funny that there is a big sticker on it with a part number. I would think it would obviously be the nose part?
5:15PM
We just wrapped up a tour on ANA’s second Boeing 787 JA802A. The interior looks very similar to the first, except it is not quite delivery ready with a bunch of wires running around and two engineer jump seats near the back. Here are a few photos:
ANA's second aircraft JA802A on the tarmac at Paine Field.
My favorite place to be -- the cockpit. It is so easy to see out the aircraft from any of the seats up front.
Three windows, three different shades.
Currently at the Dreamliner Gallery for some drinks and food and of course a tour. The day is not quite done.
5:40PM
It is nice and relaxing now. Having some drinks and light food and hear we will get a tour of the Dreamliner Gallery here soon.
Having a good time at the Dreamliner Gallery in Everett, WA. Do you recognize the guy in the white shirt? The famous Flight Blogger.
6:30PM
These sort of events are great to talk to aviation journalists from around the world. Many I catch at other events. Then of course talking to all the Boeing folks is great (none of them are willing to talk about the Cargolux 747-8F). There is a very large model of ZA001 with working stobes and lights that is pretty slick:
ANA flight attendants pose in front of a large 787 model at the Dreamliner Gallery.
7:45PM – Last of the Day
Just got a quick tour of the Dreamliner Gallery. This location is to let customers choose what the interiors of Dreamliners will look like. From lighting to seats to fabric, this is a one of a kind location. I hope to come back to do a longer tour and a full write up, but for now a few photos:
There is a special room that allows airlines to try different lighting combinations. This one is called "disco wave" and no airline has chosen it yet.
Crew rest area mock up of the 787 Dreamliner.
The seat room. Where there are a lot of airline seats to test out.
Okay, that does it folks for today. I am off to home to get some rest and back at it again tomorrow for the official delivery ceremony. I hear there might be some surprises for us tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
I will be live blogging and updating this post through out the day with photos and information. Since I will be in a hurry, more than usual, and posting remotely, you might find a grammatical mistake here and there — for that I apologize. Stay tuned…
