At a briefing at the
Paris Air Show, Boeing reported strong progress on many aspects of
the all-new 787 Dreamliner that make the airplane more appealing to
passengers and airlines.
787 Vice President and General Manager Mike Bair highlighted the
airplane's new air purification system, which will provide cleaner
air during flights, as one advance passengers will truly
appreciate.
"Passengers will notice a difference," Bair said.
"They will feel more refreshed after their 787 flights. It may
be difficult for passengers to recognize the differences between
today's airplanes, but the 787 will be distinct. From its larger
windows to its unique interior architecture, and from its lower
cabin altitude to its cleaner air, passengers will enjoy their
flights on a 787."
Bair also provided an update on the progress being made in the
design and development of the new airplane.
"We've built four development composite barrel sections at this
point and are entirely convinced that we have our manufacturing
solutions in place," Bair said. Most recently the team in Wichita,
Kan., built a nose section as part of the development effort.
In Everett, the 787 team
is building part of a full-scale wing box to demonstrate the
manufacturing techniques and support certification of the new
airplane.
"It is a true testament to the team that we have created and
proven these techniques in so short a period of time and with truly
outstanding results," Bair said.
He credited the innovative and integrated Product Lifecycle
Management (PLM) toolset developed by Paris-based Dassault Systemes
with providing a real competitive advantage.
"Our international team is better equipped to develop solutions,
consider alternatives and make decisions thanks to our digital
toolset," Bair said.
"Even now, one year before we start building our first airplane
and two years before it flies, we know that our designs are
optimized and achievable."
Although the 787 has significantly more advances compared to
previous airplanes, the team has reduced the development cycle by
one year thanks in large part to the digital toolset, Bair said. He
added that the market response to the 787 is "validation" that the
team is getting it right.
"We have the right airplane at the right time," Bair said.
"Its fuel efficiency, range, cargo capability and improved
maintenance make it very attractive to airlines. The number of
customers and their diversity in terms of geography and business
models highlight the 787's ability to meet the different needs of
different airlines.
"The team is humbled and motivated by the market response. We're
working diligently to meet the expectations of our customers. They
have put their trust in us and we will perform."