787-9

Boeing is planning to conduct the first flight of 787-9, the improved, fuel-efficient version of its Dreamliner range, in the next week.

The maiden flight, which is an important step in the development of the aircraft, is tentatively slated for the middle or end of the next week, but can be postponed due to technical and weather-related factors, Reuters reported citing two undisclosed sources.

The second member of the 787 family, the 787-9 is 20ft longer than the 787-8, and will extend the portfolio in both capacity and range.

With a capacity to carry 40 additional passengers with an extra 300nm range, the aircraft comprises the design qualities of its predecessor 787-8.

It features enhanced environmental performance, fuel efficiency, lesser environmental impact and passenger-pleasing features, with 20% decreased fuel consumption and 20% fewer emissions compared with similar-sized aircraft.

The 787-9 flight deck is equipped with navigation and communication technology, as well as an avionics suite.

"The 787-9 flight deck is equipped with navigation and communication technology, as well as an avionics suite."

The planned flight will put the company ahead of its schedule for the aircraft, as Boeing earlier said the first flight will happen in later this year.

The first delivery to launch customer Air New Zealand is scheduled for mid-2014.

In June 2013, Boeing launched its 787-10, which is 18ft longer than the 787-9, but has a comparatively shorter range than the earlier aircraft in the family.

Boeing’s 787-9 has a list price of $243.6m, compared with $206.8m for the 787-8.

The company has not disclosed the price for its 787-10 aircraft.

Image: Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner is 20ft longer than the 787-8. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology