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.