Certification Setup Offers Hint Of Future Arrangement

Boeing recently unveiled the first 787 Dreamliner to feature interior components. The third flight test airplane, ZA003, has a partial interior that provides a glimpse into what the passengers on the plane will eventually see.

Of course, it's still configured for flight-testing purposes as well, so the interior includes instrumentation racks, flight-test equipment and workstations for engineers.

"This airplane is specifically configured to test the passenger experience elements of the airplane," said Tom Galantowicz, director of 787 Interiors, Commercial Airplanes. "Our engineers and flight-test team use a disciplined process to certify the various elements of the interior and conduct airplane-level verifications."

787 Interior Mockup. Photo Credit: Boeing

The interior includes 135 seats, multiple lavatories and two crew rests. Certifying the interior components involves analyses and testing of the lighting, lavatories, stowage bins, dimmable windows and galleys.

Boeing says passengers will be welcomed onto the 787 by sweeping arches, dynamic lighting, larger lavatories, more spacious luggage bins and electronic window shades whose transparency they can change during flight.

"Our team is making great progress and is looking forward to getting this airplane in the air later this month," Galantowicz said.

FMI: www.boeing.com