The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has completed its maiden flight.

During the three-hour trip, the plane reached an altitude of 15,000ft at an air speed of 180kt, customary for a first flight.

The flight marks the beginning of a flight test programme that will include six planes flying around the globe.

The first Boeing 787, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, will be joined by five other 787s in the test,with two powered by GE’s Genx engines.

The first delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2010.