Dreamliner Flown On International, Domestic Japanese Routes To Simulate Actual Operations

The day that passengers actually buckle their seat belts on a Boeing Dreamliner keeps getting closer. Over the weekend, Boeing and ANA completed the 787 service ready operational validation in Japan. As part of the validation, ANA pilots, together with Boeing, flew the Dreamliner on routes from Seattle to Tokyo and Tokyo to four airports across Japan, including Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Okayama and Hiroshima. Maintenance and ground crews from ANA also gained experience with the airplane in the simulated operational environment.

"Giving our team a chance to work with the airplane prior to entry into service was very valuable," said Katsunori Shimazaki, ANA corporate planning senior manager and the airline's leader of the validation. "Our crews are excited to begin operating the first 787 revenue flights later this year."

Teams from ANA and Boeing validated more than a hundred procedures, including towing the airplane, conducting fit checks of ground support equipment, staging electronic flight bag data and completing maintenance actions, among other activities. "The successful conclusion of this effort further validates our plans for entering the first all-new airplane of the 21st century into service with our launch customer ANA," said Mike Fleming, 787 services and support vice president. "Our teams worked well together and the airplane performed as we expected."

At each airport, hundreds of enthusiasts and reporters gathered to witness the 787's arrival from Tokyo. Combined, several thousand people celebrated the Dreamliner's presence in Japan. "It has been incredible to see the enthusiasm for the 787 every place we've gone," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "With its improvements in comfort and environmental performance, passengers are clearly eager to experience the 787 for themselves."

As part of the operational validation, the Dreamliner made its India debut, landing at New Delhi International Airport at 1109 (IST), arriving from Tokyo. "Indian air carriers have recognized the tremendous value the Boeing 787 offers airlines,” said Dinesh Keskar, president Boeing India.

Air India is one of the early customers and has ordered 27 787s. Jet Airways also has ordered 10 Dreamliners. “We look forward to the airplane’s introduction into the fleets of our valued customers in India,” said Keskar. He also mentioned that the 787's visit was a great day in the long history of Boeing's partnership with India.
 
The airplane will depart for the Mumbai Airport in the evening of July 15 and will fly back to Seattle on the morning of July 16.

ANA's first scheduled service with the 787 will be either the Tokyo Haneda-Okayama or Tokyo Haneda-Hiroshima route when deliveries begin later this year.

ANA has 55 Dreamliners on order. ANA will deploy the 787 across its route network as an integral part of its strategy to strengthen its position and support its growth and expansion plans.

FMI: www.boeing.com