Browsing Tag: ZB001

ZB-001 (N789EX) the First Boeing 787-9, takes to the Sky - Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter.com

ZB-001 (N789EX) the first Boeing 787-9, takes to the sky – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter.com

At 11:02am this morning, ZB-001 the first Boeing 787-9, became airworthy as it departed Paine Field in Everett, Washington on its first flight.

Boeing’s inaugural flight of the 787-9 was originally scheduled for 10am Pacific Time, but as is usual for ’œBoeing Time’ there was a few delays.  The weather may not have been as perfect as the flight tests for yesterday’s CS100 flight from Mirabel, but there was no rain, which is always a positive for Seattle this time of year.  With over 10,000 employees in attendance and lots more of the Everett flight line crews watching (plus thousands more watching the live webcast), it was a spectacle that many were anxiously awaiting.

The first Boeing 787-9 conducts taxi tests at Paine Field. Image: Sandy Ward / Future of Flight.

The first Boeing 787-9 conducts taxi tests at Paine Field earlier today. Image: Sandy Ward / Future of Flight.

Boeing has confirmed tonight that the first Boeing 787-9 flight is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday September 16th.

As of now, the first flight is scheduled for 10:00am PDT, of course the time and even the date could change based on a number of different circumstances.

Earlier today, Boeing conducted taxi tests in the Seattle rain.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@AirlineReporter) for all the first flight goodness.

BOEING 787-9 TAXI PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Aerial shot of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Photo by Bernie Leighton.

Aerial shot of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (ZB001)   Photo: Bernie Leighton/AirlineReporter.com

Did you just read a story about Bombardier’s first CSeries first flight potentially happening on Monday, only to find out the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s first flight could be as early as Tuesday, September 17th? Why yes you did. Boeing announced this week that their first 787-9 could possibly have its maiden flight at Paine Field early next week.

Yes AvGeeks, this is going to be a good week for all of us!

The first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the flight line at Paine Field (KPAE). Photo by Bernie Leighton.

The first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (ZB001) on the flight line at Paine Field (KPAE). Photo by Bernie Leighton.

Yesterday, I was airborne over Paine Field again to capture Boeing’s gorgeous new 787. The 787-9. This aircraft will not only carry more passengers than its shorter sibling, but also offers a higher take-off weight. This will allow customers who use this frame to open routes that were never possible with current aircraft.

Although this is the first Boeing 787-9 to come out of the factory, it will not be the first to be delivered to launch customer Air New Zealand. This frame (ZB001), along with the next two that will come out of the factory, will be dedicated test aircraft. They will, however, be refurbished and make their way to Air New Zealand as ZK’s NZC and D by the end of next year.

With the first engine-run occurring earlier this morning, Boeing is hoping that the first flight will occur, “later this summer.” Afterwards, Boeing will conduct a number of different flight tests to earn airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).