New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) The much talked about Boeing-787 Dreamliner, on its maiden visit to India, landed in the national capital Wednesday, with everybody yearning to catch a glimpse of the aircraft which boasts of the best fuel efficiency in its class.
The company claimed the Dreamliner is apt for Indian aviation companies as it will reduce operating costs in terms of maintenance, consume 20 percent less fuel and provide the airline with faster turnarounds, resulting in more flying hours.
The plane can fly up to 16,000 km non-stop, suitable for long-haul routes like Mumbai-Sydney, Delhi-Tokyo, Delhi-New York or Delhi-Toronto.
Fuel costs comprise nearly 40 percent of the total operating expenses of an airline. Till date, Air India and Jet Airways have placed an order for a total of 37 Dreamliners with Boeing.
'This plane is made out of composite materials and has the most advanced aerodynamic design. Coupled with the latest avionics, it provides 20 percent savings on fuel costs and has low maintenance,' Dinesh Keskar, president of Boeing India, told IANS in the aircraft's cockpit.
The aircraft is made up of strong and lightweigth materials like composites which constitutes 50 percent of the complete body of the jet followed by aluminium at 20 percent and 15 percent of titanium.
'The lightweight materials reduce weight and the new design and manufacturing technologies provides for more comfortable travel experience with reduced effects of turbulence and noise,' Keskar said.
The interiors of the aircraft also comes with unique features like maximum cabin altitude set at 6,000 feet coupled with humidity and air purification systems that allows passengers to escape from throat, eye irritation, headaches and dizziness experienced on long haul flights.
'The composites in the aircraft body allows us to use humidity as the material does not corrodes,' said a Boeing official.
The aircraft design also allows for low noise levels at every stage of flight. The passengers can also enjoy views from bigger windows which are 60 percent larger than those of B-777 windows.
The Dreamliner is Boeing's latest offering with a seating configuration of between 250 and 290, and will start commercial operations with Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Air India is scheduled to get its first Dreamliner by year-end. The national carrier will conduct three trial runs in the next two days.
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi along with senior officials is expected to inspect the aircraft Thursday.
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