Boeing 787 9 cabin layout of various airlines. Benefits of Low Wings

Boeing Commercial Airplanes is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft for passenger and cargo transportation, operating in a highly competitive environment with Airbus. The fruits of healthy competition are the release of new models of airliners, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This wide-body aircraft with two jet engines is designed to carry up to 330 passengers. Used for long distance flights. Composite materials, first used in the production of a passenger liner, have significantly improved its performance.

Boeing 787 modifications

In total, the Dreamliner has several modifications.

The Boeing 787-3 was supposed to be manufactured by order of Japan for domestic flights, but then the Japanese refused to conclude a contract in favor of modifying the 787-8. The latest version of the Boeing 787-10 was delivered to airlines in 2018.

The fuselage of the Boeing 787-9 has been extended by 6.5 m, and that of the Boeing 787-10 by 11.5 m compared to the basic version.

Interesting! The Boeing Business Jet based on the Dreamliner is produced mainly for private orders. It is produced without exterior painting and interior trim. Interior design and equipment are ordered additionally from specialized companies.

Passenger cabin plan

How many seats are inside the cabin depends on the Boeing modification. The interior layout of the basic version of the 787-8 includes:

• 36 business class seats;
• 206 economy class seats.

Location of seats in rows:

• in business class - 2-2-2;
• in economy class - 3-3-3.

Different airlines can change the layout of the cabin as desired. For example, make a 1-2-1 row scheme for business class, 2-4-2 in economy class, or use a single-class cabin.

Business Class

In the privileged compartment, comfortable chairs are installed with the ability to unfold to the position of a bed. Each seat is a half-cabin, and they are arranged in the shape of a herringbone.

Seats of rows 1, 3 and 6 can be considered uncomfortable, as they are located next to utility rooms and a toilet, and the 6th row is with an economy class. The noise of the toilet drain is reduced, but the frequent movement of passengers and staff, turning on the light, the sound when opening and closing doors can interfere with a good rest.

Economy class

Reclining comfortable chairs with a standard distance between them provide an acceptable level of comfort.

Many consider the seats of the 7th row and the 26th row to be the best places in economy class, where there is more space in front of the seats. But some do not like that the tables for food are located in the armrests. The rows may not match in different versions of the interior of the cabin. For passengers in the 25th and 37th rows, the noise of the kitchen and toilet may seem unacceptable. The 38th row is also closed by partitions with limited visibility. However, there are no completely uncomfortable seats on the plane, everyone chooses according to their preferences.

General characteristics of the interior

When creating the internal space of the Dreamliner, the latest developments were applied, which were reflected in an increase in the level of passenger comfort:

1. The luggage racks of the new Boeing have been increased in width by a third compared to previous generations of aircraft. They are designed in such a way that they take up a minimum of space above the head.
2. The ceiling is made in the form of an arch, which visually enlarges the space and allows you to feel more comfortable.
3. LED lighting changes color shades at different flight stages. The blue light gives the ceiling a translucent feel, the effect of the sky above.
4. The portholes have significantly increased in size. The classic blinds were removed, and instead an electronic dimming system was installed that changes the transparency of the glass. Even in bright sunlight, the style of interior lighting is maintained. Dimming is performed centrally and individually, with a button at the porthole. Completely transparent glass does not disappear. There is a curtain on the porthole in the toilet.
5. The microclimate system maintains the humidity of the air.
6. Each seat has an individual display for viewing flight information, watching movies, playing video games. WiFi is available on board. An individual socket will help you recharge your mobile device in time.
7. Toilets have become more spacious. If you deploy a common partition between two toilet cubicles, a wheelchair is placed there.

Interesting! The food offered on board the Dreamliner is distinguished by the variety and high taste of dishes.

Operating characteristics and advantages of the liner

Boeing 787-8

The main technical characteristics of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (basic version 787-8)

Boeing 787-9

For the Boeing 787-9 model, all dimensions are identical, except for the length. It is 63 m.

Boeing 787-10

Aircraft length - 68.27 m. Other dimensions are similar to model 787-8

Advantages of the Boeing 787

The new Boeing has undeniable advantages, which distinguishes it from all previously produced aircraft:

1. The swept wingtips flex variably to increase lift.
2. With the help of an elongated fuselage, passenger capacity has increased.
3. Specially designed new engines have significantly reduced background noise (by 20%). This is noted by all air passengers who have already flown on the Dreamliner.
4. The luggage compartment has become half as spacious due to the flat bottom of the fuselage.
5. Less fuel consumption.
6. Reduced aircraft weight through the use of composite materials.
7. In the cockpit, the image from the working monitors is projected onto the windshield for easy reading of parameters; sensors are installed that measure turbulence and other additional equipment.

Interesting! An infrared scanning device is undergoing the latest testing, with the use of which clouds will not interfere with pilots for a good view.

The Dreamliner is equipped with the latest electronic system. Information about the operating parameters of the aircraft and other data are shown on the display. During the flight, data on the operation of structural components and assemblies is collected and automatically transmitted to ground operators. Upon landing of the liner, there is no need to carry out diagnostics, you can immediately start maintenance.

Design features of the Boeing 787

Engines

The Dreamliner engine is made by two different companies. If necessary, you can replace one with another, since the connection is made according to the same scheme. The first invented design of engine nacelles helps to reduce the noise produced. This is achieved by installing chevron teeth in the rear area of ​​​​the gondola, thanks to which the jet stream mixes with air smoothly.

Composite materials

The widespread use of carbon composite materials has led to a reduction in the weight of the liner and, as a result, reduced fuel consumption. Half of the composites were used in the manufacture of the cabin, the entire working part of the engine consists of them, with the exception of the main metal edge.

Interesting! The pressure inside the cabin of composites with greater elasticity is in line with the height of 1.8 km (for an aircraft with an aluminum fuselage - 2.4 km).

Wings

Swept wings are longer than other liners of this class, which provides increased elasticity. Electrical anti-icing equipment, flap mechanisms are designed as a common unit. This reduces the possibility of failures in operation and simplifies maintenance.

Salon

The operation of the microclimate system is organized in an innovative way. The air intake does not come from the engines with subsequent cooling and supply to the passenger compartment, but is pumped by compressors from the external surrounding space. Natural moisture is provided inside.

Power supply system

Electricity consumption on board has increased significantly. The power supply of the liner is provided by 7 generators and 2 batteries of lithium-ion batteries. One battery is used while the aircraft is on the ground when the generators are stopped. An additional function is an in-flight emergency power supply in case of failure of all generators. The other feeds the auxiliary systems and serves to start the engines.

The history of the creation of the Boeing 787

At the end of the 90s, the popular Boeing 767 began to no longer meet modern requirements. The innovative developments of the Airbus concern allowed the aircraft of the European aircraft manufacturer to get ahead of the competition. A new long-haul airliner was needed, which would consume less fuel than all existing and previous aircraft and have high speed. Fuel economy was supposed to be achieved by reducing the duration of the flight.

Naming the new airliner Boeing Sonic Cruiser, aircraft manufacturers began to develop the project. After the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and the subsequent rise in oil prices, it became clear that fuel economy was coming to the fore. The technical complexity of Sonic Cruiser and the high cost of the project forced him to stop.

In April 2004, the start of the new 7E7 project was officially announced. The achievements of aviation engineers of the previous version have been preserved, the best of them have moved to 7E7. A year later, the project changed its name to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The first flight test of the Dreamliner was scheduled for 2007, but the suppliers of some components did not fulfill their obligations. As a result, flight tests of the aircraft took place in the winter of 2009.

The liner made its first flight for testing in real operating conditions between Seattle and Tokyo in the summer of 2011. Then the Japanese week-long tests continued. After 2 months, the Dreamliner was certified, and in October 2011, it took passengers on board for the first time in Japan.

Interesting! In January 2013, Boeing 787 flights were suspended by a joint decision of the European Safety Agency and the US Federal Aviation Administration. The official reason is to prove the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Already in April, the commercial operation of the aircraft resumed.

Place of production

The main and very first plant of the Boeing aircraft concern is located in Seattle. But the company has enterprises in other cities. Boeing 787 Dreamliner decided to produce in Everett (Washington) and a new facility in North Charleston (South Carolina). Components are supplied by partners from many countries of the world.

Interesting! Prior to the start of new aircraft production in North Charleston in 2011, there was a wave of union strikes in Seattle against the decision. The unions felt that production was being postponed as punishment for previous strikes that had caused deliveries to be missed. Subsequently, the conflict was settled with a promise to place the assembly of the new Boeing 737MAX in Seattle.

Operating companies

As of autumn 2017, the Dreamliner of various modifications is operated by 43 aviation companies and another 19 are awaiting delivery, including Aeroflot. According to the latest news, the Russian airline refuses to buy, and the contract is transferred to Rostec, which will look for a buyer.

The cost of various models

Significant funds were spent on the development of the new Boeing. Despite the solid price, airlines are happy to buy the Dreamliner.

Development prospects

Boeing's Yellowstone program to replace obsolete civil aircraft in terms of long-range aircraft is considered completed. Currently, design work is underway on ultra-long-range models.

But the Dreamliner continues to improve. In 2016, tests began on a new engine for the Boeing 787, the TRENT 1000 TEN version, which has increased thrust. Sensors and systems continue to be improved. The main forces are focused on testing the new modification 787-10, the start of deliveries of which was scheduled for 2018.

The release of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner opened up new horizons for civil aviation with the use of innovative technologies and materials. The technical innovations used in the Boeing 787 will become the basis for the development of new models for many years to come. The commercial success of the project confirms the correctness of the chosen direction.

Belongs to a new generation of technology. It was built to replace the already outdated model 767.

The main difference between the Boeing 787 and its predecessor is its design. For the first time in the history of aircraft construction, fifty percent of composite lightweight materials were used in this model.

Story

The decline in sales of such long-haul airliners as the 747-400 and 767 forced the launch of a program to create a new aircraft model. This happened in the nineties of the last century. Boeing has accepted two new models for consideration. One of them was a more fuel efficient version of the 747-400. This is the 747X model. The second version of the project involved the development of an aircraft that would consume no more fuel than the Boeing 767, but at the same time be able to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.98. However, these models were coolly received by airlines.

In early 2003, Boeing presented a project for a new twin-engine 7E7 aircraft. The model was developed using Sonic Cruiser technologies. The company announced that this liner belongs to the new Yellowstone family.

New program

Yellowstone is a project by Boeing to replace the existing range of civil aircraft with a high-tech series. The design of the liner used lightweight composite materials. Instead of hydraulic systems, electrical systems are used. These models are equipped with economical turbojet engines.

The Yellowstone program consists of three sections. The first one is Y1. It involves the replacement of aircraft with a capacity of 100-200 passengers. The Y2 project is designed to introduce new models of long-haul liners. To date, this program has been fully completed. Her brainchild was the Boeing 787.

The company is also working on the Y3 project. Models are being developed to replace the ultra-long-range aircraft 747 and 777, which have a passenger capacity of 300-600 people.

dreamliner

The Boeing Company in 2003 held a competition for the best name for the 787 model. Almost half a million people have chosen the Dreamliner option. Already in April 2004, a launch customer was found for the Boeing 787. They became the carrier company All Nippon Airways. She immediately ordered fifty aircraft, which were supposed to be delivered by the end of 2008.

"Boeing-787" (see photo below) is an innovative product in the field of aircraft construction. For the first time in its design, aluminum was replaced with light ones. This decision made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the liner, and therefore make it economically profitable.

Boeing has developed the Boeing 787, the technical characteristics of which allow the airliner to consume twenty percent less fuel than the 767 models, and be forty percent more efficient. This became possible after the installation of modern engines and the adoption of modern aerodynamic solutions in combination with advanced schemes. And already at the end of 2004, 237 liners of the 787th model were ordered from Boeing. In 2012, it agreed to supply four Boeing-787 aircraft to Transaero.

Production

In December 2003, the management of Boeing decided that the Boeing 787 would be assembled in the city of Everett, at a plant that was built in the late sixties of the last century in order to produce the 747 model.

However, this time a slightly different solution was applied. The company did not assemble aircraft from scratch. Part of the work was given to subcontractors. This has significantly reduced the production time. The final assembly should, according to the company's calculations, be carried out in three to four days. At the same time, it is necessary to involve from eight hundred to one thousand two hundred people in this process. Thus, Japanese subcontractors produce the wings, Italian subcontractors produce the horizontal stabilizer, French subcontractors produce the wiring, Indian subcontractors develop software, and so on. Delivers parts to the factory on a Model 747 cargo liner.

Boeing-787 aircraft were created with the participation of Japan. Companies from this country have done work on the creation of almost thirty-five units of the liner. This project was supported by the Government of Japan for an amount equal to two million dollars. The assembly of the first Boeing 787 began in May 2007.

Tests

The Boeing-787 took off for the first time on 12/15/2009. The flight lasted about three hours. After that, the company developed a nine-month test schedule. Six aircraft took part in flight testing. Four of them were equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines and two with GE GEnx-1B64 engines. In March 2007, he successfully passed the wing loading test, which was increased by one hundred and fifty percent over the standard for three seconds. Subsequently, the liner passed temperature tests and was somewhat modified due to the identified shortcomings. The Boeing 787 was certified on August 13, 2011 by the US Federal Aviation Administration. On October 26, 2011, the liner made its first commercial flight.

Constructive decisions

Fifty percent of all the elements of which the fuselage of the Boeing 787 is made consist of materials containing. That is why this aircraft is much lighter and stronger than those liners in the production of which aluminum is used. Composite materials are 50% carbon fiber, 20% aluminum, 15% titanium, 10% steel, and 5% other components.

When assembling the Boeing 787, ultra-efficient and low-noise GEnx-1B and Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines are used. In the first of these, the turbine blades and casing are made only of composite materials. That is why the engine is able to create a working thrust at a lower temperature. As a result, there is a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions into the atmosphere.

The Boeing 787 has a longer wing length than other models. In addition, anti-icing equipment, flap mechanism and other systems are mounted as a single unit. This makes it easier to maintain them and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.

The company has developed three modifications of the Boeing 787. These are 3, 8, 9 and 10 models. Each of them has some differences in specific technical parameters. Only the fuselage diameter (5.77 m), height (16.9 m), maximum flight altitude (13100 m) and the highest speed (950 km / h) are the same for everyone.

cockpit

For ease of control, the aircraft is equipped with multifunctional displays. They are in the cockpit. Management is carried out using an electrical remote system. It includes two screens, which display the layout of the gate, taxiing, as well as a map of the area. Transparent indicators are installed in front of the windshield of the cab. They allow you to control the data of devices without blocking visibility.

The aircraft is equipped with an automatic diagnostic system. It sends real-time data to the ground repair service. In this case, a broadband radio communication channel is used. This system is designed to predict the occurrence of certain problems in aircraft mechanisms, which reduces the time for repairs and diagnostics.

Passenger compartment

The capacity of the Boeing 787 depends on its configuration. From 234 to 296 passengers can board the aircraft.

The salon developed in the Boeing-787 aircraft is very convenient for passengers. The usual plastic curtains are replaced here with electrochromic dimming in the porthole's smart glass. Interior lighting is amazing. Its intensity is adjusted by the crew depending on the flight phase.

In the 787th model, the size of the toilets has been increased. Now they can be used by people in the cabin. The upper luggage racks have more capacity in the cabin. Each of them can hold four suitcases. The pressure in the cabin is maintained at a level corresponding to an altitude of one thousand eight hundred meters. In a conventional aluminum aircraft, it corresponds to 2400 m. Such comfortable conditions are created thanks to the elastic composite hull of the liner.

Comfortable conditions for passengers are maintained by the smooth flight system, which is able to suppress the vertical vibrations of the aircraft. The pressurization system is organized in a new way in the Boeing-787. Its installation made it possible to supply air to the cabin directly from the environment, and not from engines, as was the case in previous models.

Boeing 787 dreamliner- a family of wide-body long-range airliners developed by Boeing in the early 2000s. The first commercial airliner with a radically increased proportion of composite materials in the design. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with many of the latest systems and elements that have significantly improved its flight and economic performance.

Story

In the late 1990s, when Boeing was actively promoting its newest airliner, the Model 777, its other two wide-body airliners were no longer industry leaders. Boeing 747 and Boeing 767 quickly became obsolete and required either deep modernization or complete replacement. Both of these concepts began to be implemented in the early 2000s. The flagship of the line had to be upgraded about the 747X program. The Boeing 767 was supposed to retire, giving way to the brand new and first of its kind transonic airliner Sonic Cruiser. With similar capacity, the new aircraft had to fly at speeds of about 1100 km / h, not breaking the sound barrier, but, nevertheless, much faster than analogues. The Boeing 747X project was implemented very slowly, most airlines were satisfied with the old 747-400 model, and as a new liner, many expected the European A380. Sonic Cruiser enjoyed great interest, which promised great benefits for operators.

However, the events of the beginning of the 21st century did not allow the project to flourish. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the air travel market contracted, and the price of oil, and hence aviation fuel, rose sharply. The speed characteristics of the liners were no longer so important in comparison with the characteristics of their fuel consumption. The Sonic Cruiser flew much faster, but the rather high fuel consumption killed it. In 2002, the project was officially closed. However, many developments and technologies were not forgotten: just a month later, in 2003, Boeing announced the 7E7 program. The project involved the creation of a classic modern aircraft, but with the use of Sonic Cruiser technologies. The idea of ​​the new project was to create a long-haul and very economical small airliner that allows you to fly to small airports without working with hubs. In fact, it was a continuation of the Boeing 767 idea in the 21st century.

Project 7E7 can sometimes be seen with the index Y2. It is the first implementation of the large-scale program of the Boeing Yellowstone Project, which provides for the renewal of the entire line of aircraft of the company. At the same time, the letter E in the index is usually explained by the words Efficient or Environmentally friendly, or simply Eight (the letter has been replaced by the number 8). In the summer of 2003, following the results of a large-scale competition, the company chose the name Dreamliner (the leaders were also variants: eLiner, Global Cruiser and Stratoclimber).

In 2004, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) became a launch customer, signing a contract for 50 aircraft with deliveries starting in 2008. Initially, the contract called for the delivery of 30 787-3s with a capacity of 290-330 passengers in a single-class layout (for local flights), and 20 787-8 long-haul 210-250 local aircraft in a 2-class layout (for long-haul flights to Denver, New Delhi and Moscow). Models 787-3 and 787-8 were supposed to be basic, model 787-9 was supposed to appear a few years later.

The Boeing 787 was the first aircraft to have the base section of the fuselage as a single-piece composite piece rather than as a junction of aluminum sheets (with other advantages, this eliminated some 50,000 rivets used in conventional structures). Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and General Electric GEnx engines were chosen as the power plant. According to the calculations of the developers, the aircraft was supposed to be 20% more efficient than the 767 model. At the same time, the long-range models 787-8 and 787-9 were to have an ETOPS 330 certificate, which allows them to continue flying for 5.5 hours if one engine fails.

By 2005, the Boeing 787 already had a backlog of orders for 237 aircraft. Moreover, Boeing offered the -8 model for only $120 million, which seemed almost a price dumping. True, in 2007 the planes, nevertheless, began to rise in price and added $30-40 million to the original cost.

Industrial cooperation

In 2003, it was decided that the final assembly of the aircraft would be carried out at the Boeing plant in Everett. A feature of the new production is the minimization of the volume of production at the plant itself. Boeing greatly expanded the capabilities of its contractors, who were now able to manufacture fairly complex and large prefabricated structural elements. This greatly simplified the production line in Everett, reduced production time, and only about 1,200 people took up the final assembly (about the same number of people work in the production of SSJ 100 liners in Komsomolsk-on-Omur). Despite the many problems at the initial stage of the project, in the future, this scheme began to justify itself.

The Boeing 787 contractor network is considered one of the most extensive and complex in aviation history:

• Center section and wings — Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)
• Horizontal tail - Alenia Aermacchi (Italy) and Korea Aerospace Industries (Republic of Korea)
• Fuselage sections - Global Aeronautica (Italy), Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan), Spirit Aerosystems (USA), Korean Air (Republic of Korea)
• Passenger doors - Latecoere (France)
• Cargo doors, interior doors - Saab AB (Sweden)
• Software - HCL Enterprise (India)
• Floor Beams - TAL Manufacturing Solutions (India)
• Cable network - Labinal (France)
• Wing Tips, Wing Fairings, Landing Gear Shutters, Spars - Korean Air (Republic of Korea)
• Chassis - Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (France/UK)
• Power system control complex, air conditioning system - Hamilton Sundstrand (USA).

To increase the speed of deliveries of parts from geographically distant suppliers, Boeing has modified 4 aircraft model 747-400. Known as the Boeing 747LCF DreamLifter, these aircraft transport wings, fuselage sections and other aircraft components to the Everett plant for final assembly.

It is especially worth noting the huge role of Japan in the project. In fact, in 2017, about 35% of all elements and systems of the Boeing 787 are manufactured in Japan, in particular, almost the entire wing of the liner is made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japanese specialists were involved in the development of the liner, and Boeing did not badly save on significant tax incentives from Tokyo.

Description: Boeing 787 Dreamliner. History and description of the dream liner

Final assembly of the first prototypes began in Everett in 2007. The firm had problems with mass calculations when assembling the first aircraft. The first 6 liners turned out to be 2.3 tons heavier than expected. This problem was solved by optimizing the design and replacing some of the steel parts with titanium (in 2015, Boeing reduced the amount of titanium used to reduce the cost of production).

However, despite all the optimizations, the huge demand for the 787 forced Boeing to increase its production plan. Due to the fact that the plant in Everethay reached its maximum size, the company had to find another site for the plant. In 2009, Boeing found a suitable site in South Carolina in the city of Charleston.

Flight tests

In July 2007, the first Boeing 787 prototype underwent a roll-out ceremony at the Everett plant. At that time, the liner had contracts for 677 units, which was a record among wide-body commercial airliners. However, at the time of the rollout, the liner was not airworthy - many systems had not yet been installed or launched.

With the preparation for the flights, the liner had serious problems. It took Boeing a very long time to resolve difficulties with suppliers, coordinate the characteristics of elements and systems, as well as prepare for the start of flights. Seeing this, and also faced with constant transfers of deliveries, some customers began to demand compensation.

Difficulties were also caused by the huge amount of innovation in the aircraft, and hence the much more complex testing and certification program. Boeing and partners have paid a lot of attention to the study of the characteristics of the composite elements of the aircraft. At first, it was unknown how these elements would behave in the event of critical loads, long-term use, and a number of scientists also feared that in the event of a fire, new composite elements would begin to emit toxic gases.

In 2007, the new Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine was certified. Six months later, the General Electric GEnx-1B engine received the certificate. Soon, engines began to be installed on aircraft to test power systems.

In 2009, the first fully assembled prototype passed a flight simulation test to test all systems. The characteristics were satisfactory, however, the excess of the mass of the liner over the planned one (by almost 8%) led to a reduction in the flight range to 12,800 km (the planned figure was about 15,000 km). This led some airlines to refuse to deliver the first aircraft, waiting for Boeing to solve the problem of overweight in subsequent series.

Finally, in December 2009 (2 years behind schedule), the Boeing 787 Dreamlier made its first test flight from Everett's Paine Field airfield.

The flight test program included 6 aircraft: 4 with Trent 1000 engines and 2 with GEnx-1B64 engines. The flights were deployed to the full plan after the completion of the strength tests of the wing: it withstood a load 150% higher than the calculated limit and did not collapse (in this case, the wing was bent 7.6 meters from the rest position).

The aircraft's first international display was the 2010 Farnborough Airshow. At the time, it was stated that the first aircraft would be handed over to Japan's ANA in 2011. At the same time, to speed up the tests, 2 more boards were included in the group of test aircraft.

In November 2010, one of the prototypes made an emergency landing in Texas due to smoke and a fire threat. It turned out that the ignition of the electrics in one of the compartments was caused by the ingress of foreign objects. After electrical and software modifications, flights were resumed.

During the testing process, problems with new systems were constantly revealed. This led to shifts in terms of supply. By 2011, Boeing had not yet completed the certification of the aircraft. By the summer, Boeing and ANA had conducted a joint test tour of one of the liners - the aircraft made 1,707 flights and visited 14 countries around the world.

Rolls-Royce powered Boeing 787-8s received type certifications from the FAA and EASA in August 2011. Certification lasted 18 months - twice as long as the original plan.

Start of operation

At the time certification was completed, Boeing had production lines ready at the Everett and Charleston plants. They were supposed to be able to produce 10 liners a month, however, the company had problems with local unions regarding the working conditions of the staff (an increase in production from 2 to 10 liners a month tightened working conditions), which led to a delay in production. The first Boeing 787 left the South Carolina plant in the spring of 2012.

In December 2011, one of the prototypes made a test flight at the maximum distance from Everett to Dhaka (Bangladesh). The aircraft flew 19,830 kilometers. It was a distance record for the 787th dimension liners (he broke the record of the A330 - 16,903 km). The absolute record for commercial airliners remained with the Boeing 777 - 21,602 km.

The first production 787 was handed over to ANA in September 2011. A few weeks later, the aircraft began commercial flights from Tokyo to Hong Kong. Tickets for the first flight were sold at auction and the most expensive of them was sold for $34,000. Long-haul flights from Tokiv to Frankfurt began operating in 2012.

According to the results of the first period of operation, ANA said that the liner with Trent 1000 engines burns 21% less fuel than the Boeing 767-300ER. Later, according to the results of operation, United Airlines calculated that, based on one passenger seat, the liner is 6% more economical than the A330.

Soon, another problem emerged. The new APS5000 Auxiliary Power Unit was more economical than any of its counterparts, but as it turned out, it got quite hot during long work at the airport. In most cases this was imperceptible, but, as it turned out, in the case of flights over short distances, the APU did not have time to cool down and overheated when restarted. However, this problem was quickly resolved by design modifications and changes in ground procedures.

The problems didn't end there. In 2012, many failures in the operation of GEnx engines were revealed, due to which aircraft with this power plant did not fly for some time. In 2014, after changing the manufacturing process for composite elements, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries identified manufacturing errors that could lead to microcracks in the wing structures. As a result, 42 aircraft not yet delivered were put through the procedures for checking and correcting the defect. The problem was resolved, but the planes were several weeks behind schedule for deliveries.

Nevertheless, the overall reliability of the liners continued to grow and, by 2015, reached a figure of 98.5% (at the beginning of operation, it was about 96%). In 2013, aircraft spent 5 hours in the air, and by 2014 it was already 12. In 2017, the reliability reached 99.3%.

At the same time, airlines, seeing that the liner is most effective over long distances, began to put it on flights of maximum range, which were previously served by large aircraft: Lockheed L1011, Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. Although a smaller aircraft, the Boeing 787 proved to be much more flexible and efficient.

By the summer of 2017, Boeing had delivered 565 aircraft: 340 Model -8 and 225 Model -9. 39 airlines use these liners on 983 routes around the world. The aircraft is also used on the record-breaking flight Perth (Australia) - London (UK) by Qantas with a length of 14,499 kilometers.

Market and production costs

The cost of the 787 Dreamliner program is estimated at $32 billion. It is assumed that the program will pay for itself after delivery, approximately 1100-1200 aircraft.

The production plan assumes reaching a rate of 14 units monthly (168 per year) by 2019. By this time, Boeing will be able to reduce costs by increasing production volumes and optimizing business processes, as well as increasing the delivery cost of the aircraft. It is assumed that the revenue margin from the sale of each aircraft will be about 30% (20% for 737 and 25% for 777). At the same time, a number of experts believe that Boeing will not be able to significantly improve the economy of two factories located in different parts of the United States, and competition with the A350 and A330neo will not significantly increase the cost of the aircraft.

Design

The Boeing 787 is a wide-body long-haul airliner equipped with two engines. Being, in general design, a classic modern airliner, it includes many new solutions that have significantly improved its flight and economic performance.

The main innovation is the widest use of composite materials. About 50% of the aircraft's dry weight is composites, 20% aluminum alloys, 15% titanium alloys, 10% steel, and about 5% other materials.

Aluminum is used mainly in the leading edges of the wing, tail and engines. Titanium is used in pylon mounts and in engines, while some of the load-bearing elements are made of steel. Most of the airframe is made of carbon composites and fiberglass.

Distinctive external features of the new liner include a lowered nose, improved ridged wingtips and engine nacelles with sawtooth chevrons. The design is designed for flights at speeds of about 900 km / h at standard commercial heights of 12-13 km.

flight systems

The main feature of the Boeing 787 onboard complex is a completely new electrical architecture, primarily climate control. Unlike other passenger aircraft, where the air for supply to the cabin is taken from the engines, in the 787th air is supplied by compressors from the environment. This made it possible to significantly remove the additional load from the engines and increase their efficiency. The electrical system with a total power of 1.45 mW is actively used in stabilizer drives, engine starting systems and brakes. In addition, the anti-icing system has also been replaced - instead of a stream of hot air, the ice is thawed by special heating elements.

The aircraft is equipped with a new automated flight stabilization system in turbulent conditions. This system is new for civil aviation, although it was created quite a long time ago to stabilize the flight of B-2 Spirit bombers.

The Boeing 787 has a full-fledged fly-by-wire control system. Being significantly modernized, it is, in fact, a legacy of a similar complex on the Boeing 777.

The cockpit of the aircraft is completely new and significantly different from the analogues of the previous generation. The interface consists of five large multifunctional LCD displays, as well as two HUD displays already in the basic configuration (HUD was previously offered as an option). Interestingly, similar cockpits developed by Rockwell Collins for the Boeing 787 in various modifications are also used on the MS-21, Comac C919 and some other new aircraft, as well as displays and HUDs from this cockpit are installed on the Orion spacecraft created by Lockheed Martin and NASA. The steering wheel remains a classic solution in the new cockpit - Boeing does not switch to a side-stick.

The main avionics suppliers for the new aircraft are Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Thales.

To ensure a significantly increased information flow, the Ethernet complex of the ARINC 664 standard is used. Moreover, part of this network is used to connect passengers to the Internet in flight. In 2008, the FAA stated its fears that passengers could interfere with the aircraft's systems in flight, however, Boeing eliminated such risks because the passenger network is physically separated from the aircraft's systems protected by special protocols.

Power system

Despite the refusal to connect the cabin climate to the aircraft's engines, it is worth dispelling the conventional wisdom that the Boeing 787 is powered solely by lithium-ion batteries. The increased energy consumption also increased the demand for generation. The power system of the liner has 7 generators at once: 2 in the engines, 2 emergency in the APU and 1 in the emergency turbine.

Lithium-ion batteries for the aircraft's electrical system are supplied by the Japanese corporation GS Yuasa. The battery complex is composed of two batteries weighing 28.5 kg each. The first battery is the main one, used to provide power to the aircraft on the ground if the engines and APU are turned off, and also, in emergency mode, can provide the aircraft with energy if all seven aircraft generators fail (which is practically impossible). The second battery is used to start the engines if the APU is disabled, and also supports the operation of auxiliary systems.

The use of lithium-ion batteries has made it possible to simplify maintenance and increase the efficiency of the power system. It is worth noting that the innovation is the use of lithium-ion batteries, and not the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bbatteries itself. For example, a similar battery system has long been used on the Boeing 777, but it uses nickel-cadmium batteries, which are heavier, larger and have less power. Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and have previously been used by the firm in its space business. However, despite the advantages, lithium-ion batteries also have disadvantages, primarily the risk of overheating and fire, which has proved to be a problem for the Boeing 787 several times.

Composite materials

The Boeing 787 is the first commercial airliner to receive a composite fuselage, wing and a large number of airframe components. Each aircraft uses about 35 tons of carbon polymers. The advantage of this material is higher strength with less weight compared to metal alloys. In addition, higher strength made it possible to optimize the design of the liner and improve its aerodynamic characteristics.

Most of the technologies for creating composite elements were developed during the development of the Sonic Cruiser transonic liner, as well as during the development of the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter (the share of composites in it reached 60%).

The problem of such a large-scale application of composites is the insufficient experience of its application in a number of structures. For example, unlike metals, carbon composites exhibit very little damage or the effects of material fatigue, which is assessed as a risk of late detection of problems. When creating the A350 XWB, Airbus also actively used composites, but did not apply them to a number of important structural elements, acting conservatively, but reducing the risks. Also, a number of experts express concerns that if the fuselage is damaged, its harder elements will be more easily destroyed, and in case of fire, the composites will release toxic gases.

Nevertheless, it is worth emphasizing the perhaps over-dramatization of the problems. Composite materials, although they have never been used on such a scale, are, nevertheless, not an innovation in aviation, and the experience of their use does not confirm many concerns. To ensure the same, preventive risk control, Boeing has expanded its after-sales service programs for aircraft (the procedures are known as 787 GoldCare).

Engines

The Boeing 787 is equipped with two thrusters. Optionally, customers can choose the General Electric GEnx-1B or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 models. Engine thrust ranges from 28.5 to 34.7 tf, depending on the modification of the aircraft.

Among the main innovations, one can note the absence of an air bleed system, an improved noise control complex, as well as the presence of two generators in each engine at once.

To reduce noise, Boeing applied the findings of a number of research programs previously conducted with NASA. New, more effective sound-absorbing materials have been introduced into the design of the engines, as well as, of course, new sawtooth chevrons, which provide a softer mixing of the jet stream with the surrounding atmosphere. Due to this, the noise level from liners in the airport area rarely exceeds 80-85 dB, which is, on average, 10 dB less than that of the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 (despite the fact that the 787s are the heaviest in the class and their engines are more powerful ).

But even with so many innovations, engines continue to evolve. In 2016, Rolls-Royce began flight testing of the Trent 1000 TEN engines. This engine is an improved version of the A330neo Trent 7000 engine (which is an improved version of the A350 Trent XWB, which in turn is an improved version of the basic Boeing 787 Trent 1000 such a cycle of engines in nature). The 1000 TEN models will have thrust up to 35.7 tf.

Interior

The width of the Boeing 787 cabin is 5.5 meters, which is much more than the width of the Boeing 767 cabin (4.72 m) and already close to the cabin of the Boeing 777 (5.84 m). Among competitors, the cabin is superior to the A330 (5.28 m), but inferior to the A350 (5.61 m).

The cabins of the airliners have very wide possibilities for customization, so the cabins of different airlines can be quite different from each other. Seating schemes may have variations: 1-2-1, 2-2-2, 2-3-2 in business class, and 3-2-3, 2-4-2, 3-3-3 in economy class. Seat pitch varies from 46 to 61 inches (120-150 cm) in first class, from 36 to 39 inches (91-99 cm) in business class, and from 32 to 34 inches (81-86 cm) in economy class. 32 inches is the economy class standard on most airlines.

The most profitable and popular for airlines is the 3 + 3 + 3 scheme in economy class. Similar schemes are used on the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, but due to the narrower cabin, a similar scheme for the Boeing 787 is considered cramped. So, if you are a tall and broad-shouldered person, traveling long distances on a Dreamliner in this arrangement is unlikely to be a dream flight for you.

Windows Boeing 787 have dimensions of 27 by 47 cm and are considered the largest among civilian airliners. This became possible due to the advantages of a more rigid composite fuselage - it became possible to increase the windows without additional structural reinforcement. Another advantage of the new windows is the absence of shutters: instead of them, electrochromatic glazing is used - particles are introduced into the glass of the window that can change the degree of light absorption under electrical action. In fact, passengers can change the transparency of the windows at the touch of a button. Although the glass still does not become completely opaque, so a curtain was still left at the porthole in the toilet.

Another innovation of the cabin is the complete absence of light bulbs. A network of LED illuminators is responsible for lighting. In general, this technology is not new in aviation: as an option, such elements have long been installed on the Boeing 777 and some Airbus liners, but now it is used on a larger scale and is already implemented in the database. Lighting can change colors, which is useful for increasing comfort levels.

Despite the fact that Boeing has abandoned the use of the classic engine-to-engine air supply system, the new electro-compressor atmospheric system creates a cabin pressure corresponding to an altitude of approximately 1800 meters (the cabins of most older aircraft have a pressure corresponding to an altitude of about 2-2.5 kilometers) . The humidity level in the cabin can be adjusted by the crew depending on the number of passengers, but, on average, is maintained at 15% (previously, the humidity level was at levels of about 4%). In many ways, the aircraft owes these advantages again to the composite fuselage, which can withstand greater internal pressure and is not subject to corrosion. Also, of course, the quality of the internal atmosphere is maintained by a rather complex system of internal filters and air conditioners, and the absence of a classic air bleed system from the power plant prevents harmful gases from engines from entering the cabin.

Modifications

The first and basic version of the liner is the model 787-8, which appeared in 2009. Later, in 2013, an extended variant 787-9 was created, followed by the largest variant 787-10, which is currently being tested. In the ICAO certification documents, they are listed under the indices B788, B789 and B78X.

Initially, Boeing intended to create a rather modest in its characteristics, but very economical liner model 787-3. It was supposed to accommodate 290-330 passengers and fly at distances up to 5,650 kilometers. The aircraft was supposed to replace the Boeing 757-300 and Boeing 767-200, and to ensure the ability to work with underdeveloped airfields, it was supposed to reduce its wingspan, replacing the ridge tips with classic winglets. However, such a short range turned out to be unclaimed by airlines and the advantages of the aircraft did not change this: by 2010, operators replaced orders for model -3 with model -8 and the project was closed in favor of older aircraft of the family.

Boeing 787-8- basic option. The aircraft can accommodate 242 passengers in a 2-class layout and 359 in a single-class layout with a limit of 381. The flight range with a standard layout is 13,621 kilometers. The aircraft is the smallest and lightest in the family (if, of course, 227.9 tons can be considered light). The Boeing 787-8 was introduced to the market in 2011 and replaced the Boeing 767 200ER and -300ER models. The aircraft is quite popular, about a third of all orders fall on this version, and at the end of 2017 there are already 346 of these flying in airline fleets.

Boeing 787-9- an enlarged version, which turned out to be, now, the average in the family. The fuselage of the liner was lengthened by 6.1 meters (62.81 versus 56.72 for the -8 model). In addition, the aircraft has become heavier by 26 tons (up to 254 tons). The capacity in this case is 290 passengers in a two-class layout and 406 in a single-class, with a limit of 420 people. At the same time, the flight range increased slightly and reached 14,140 kilometers. Interestingly, the increase in range was achieved not by increasing the amount of fuel, but by introducing a new system for active control of the boundary layer and improving the aerodynamics of the liner. Despite the similarity of the -8 and -9 liners, these aircraft have a lot of design differences: the wing, fuselage and many systems have been redesigned and improved.

The Boeing 787-9 is a replacement for the older Boeing 767-400ER and a direct competitor to the European Airbus A330. The aircraft first took off in 2013, and in 2014 it was handed over to the launch customer, Air New Zealand. At the end of 2017, 254 liners of this model were delivered.

Boeing 787-10 was the result of active lobbying by Emirates and Qantas. It was not originally planned, but after creation it turns out to be somewhat outside its niche, entering into competition with older models: the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-200ER.

The fuselage of the aircraft was again lengthened by 5.47 meters (68.28 versus 62.81 for the -9 model). The capacity at the same time reached 330 passengers in 2 class layout with a maximum of 440 people. The amount of fuel in the liner's tanks remained the same, so that the extra mass cost him a range reduced to 11,908 km.

Structurally, the -10 model is 95% unified with the -9 model, and the fuselage lengthening was achieved by adding two sections in the front and tail sections. The chassis was also reinforced, and the engines were boosted to a thrust of 34.7 tf.

As of the end of 2017, Boeing is conducting certification tests involving 3 aircraft: 2 with Trent 1000 TEN engines and 1 with an uprated GEnx-1B engine. The aircraft will be assembled in Charleston, South Carolina. Deliveries will begin in early 2018.

Other modifications

By the beginning of the 2020s, Boeing plans to create several additional aircraft modifications, including cargo and special transports. In 2009, the firm offered its newest aircraft as the US Air Force's No. 1 and No. 2 aircraft for the transport of senior officials, but the military still prefers to use time-tested vehicles.

Exploitation

As of the end of 2017, Boeing has a portfolio of orders for 1,283 Model 787 aircraft, of which, by the summer of 2017, 565 have already been delivered: 340 Model -8 and 225 Model -9. 39 airlines use these liners on 983 routes around the world. The aircraft is also used on the record-breaking flight Perth (Australia) - London (UK) by Qantas with a length of 14,499 kilometers.

The largest operators are ANA (59), Japan Airlines (33), United Airlines (32) and Qatar Airways (30).

Operational problems and incidents

At the end of 2017, the Boeing 787 was not involved in any serious accidents or catastrophes that resulted in the destruction of the aircraft or loss of life. Nevertheless, being a completely new airliner, which absorbed a large number of new technologies, in the initial periods of operation, the aircraft turned out to be prone to “childhood illnesses”.

At the beginning of operation, ANA and United Airlies aircraft were sent for Boeing checks several times due to problems with the fuel system (up to metering) and electrical failures. Later there were difficulties with sensors, airborne radars and aircraft engines. In 2016, while preparing for a flight, an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft jammed and damaged the front landing gear: the aircraft received minor damage, and a flight attendant was injured in the cabin.

The most notorious problem with the Boeing 787 was the accidents caused by the new lithium-ion batteries. In 2013, while on a flight, signs of fire appeared on board an ANA airliner. The plane made an emergency landing at Takamatsu Airport and was evacuated. The check showed that the fire occurred in one of the battery packs. Some time later, the same plane happened to a JAL airliner. At that time, these airlines operated 24 aircraft - half of all Dreamliners delivered. Soon, the FAA issued a directive decommissioning the entire fleet of Boeing 787s until the causes of the accidents were clarified.

After investigation and testing, it turned out that the battery life in aircraft is about 52,000 flight hours, and not a million, as stated by Boeing. The reason for the accidents was the lack of lithium-ion battery circuitry - being more efficient, they are also less stable and, in case of a malfunction, they can catch fire, and the provided safety measures were ineffective.

The battery schemes, their supply systems, as well as their production at Boeing in the battery manufacturer, the Japanese GS Yuasa, were subjected to verification and revision. The idea of ​​replacing lithium-ion batteries with nickel-cadmium batteries was abandoned, as such battery packs would be larger and weigh three times as much.

Companies have taken additional security measures and upgraded battery packs. By the end of 2013, the FAA conducted additional certification tests of the liners and made changes to the operational documentation. However, in Japan, as early as 2014, traces of overheating of batteries were found twice more during maintenance, but after the introduction of new equipment and maintenance methods, such incidents ceased.

Those wishing to travel in comfort should choose a flight on the Boeing 787-900: the super cabin of the model will impress. The development of the airliner began when the company noticed that its main competitor, Airbus, was gaining ground. As a result, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was released: the developers embodied the achievements of modern aircraft manufacturing in the design. Knowing how to choose your seats will make flying a pleasure a breeze.

History of the Boeing 787-900

In the late 90s, Boeing Commercial Airplanes noted that the new development from Airbus made their products uncompetitive. In 2001, the creation of the Sonic Cruiser model began: the liner was supposed to fly at a speed close to supersonic. But the events of September 11 and the rise in oil prices forced us to reconsider our priorities. Under the new conditions, fuel economy and safety were required from aircraft, not speed. For these reasons, the developments were used to create an airliner that meets the changing realities of civil aviation.

Boeing 787 900 presentation

The project, originally named 7E7, was presented in 2004, and the first airliner went on a test flight in 2011. But in 2013, the operation of the Dreamliner model was suspended, as the liners made emergency landings. In one case, lithium-ion batteries caught fire: the crew of 8 and 129 passengers were not injured, but the situation became the basis for additional proceedings. In the same year, the causes of the malfunctions were clarified, and operation was resumed.

Features of the model and differences from its predecessors

The liner is a jet-type passenger aircraft with a wide fuselage and 2 engines. Its design has increased the use of composite materials: the company claims that they account for 50% of the total weight. The share of aluminum is 20%, titanium - 15%, steel - 10%.

How the cabin of the Boeing 787-900 was changed

Capacity depends on the location of the seats, but for a single-class configuration it is 250-330 passengers. In practice, the Boeing 787-900 uses a cabin layout that implies a figure of 234 people located in 3 classes of service.

The cabin width reaches 550 cm, which is 38 cm more than in the aircraft of competitors - Airbus A330. As a result, the aisles have become more spacious and the seats more comfortable. When placing seats according to the 3-3-3 scheme, the width of the seat in the "economy" is 44.4 cm. If there are 8 seats in a row arranged according to the 2-4-2 principle, then the figure reaches 48 cm.

What does economy class look like on a Boeing 787-900

Differences from other Boeing models are also visible in the design of the toilets. A movable partition is installed between the booths, which is removed if necessary. As a result, the parameters of the room increase, so that people with special physical needs can use the restroom without problems.

The portholes will appeal to those who like to watch the views: the size of the openings reaches 27x47 cm, which is larger than that of other civil aviation liners. A similar result was obtained through the use of composite materials. Instead of plastic curtains, "smart glass" is used: it changes its properties depending on external conditions. As a result, passengers choose from 5 lighting levels.

How is the cockpit different?

The fly-by-wire system used is the same as on the 777. Many of the controls have not changed, allowing pilots to handle different types of aircraft without retraining.

The advantages of the Dreamliner include the presence of projection indicators: devices that display information on the windshield. Also at the disposal of the crew are electronic flight plans, which can be viewed on 2 screens (one for the pilot). The computer outputs the information necessary to control the vessel. The aircraft is also equipped with installations for real-time diagnostics: sensors take instrument readings and transmit them to the ground. The measure allows to reduce the time needed to service the liners.

Design features

For increased passenger comfort, a system of sensors installed in the bow of the vessel is provided. Thanks to their work, it is possible to reduce the manifestations of turbulence.

The climate control system also deserves attention. If the air was taken from the predecessors in the engine area, passed through the filters, cooled and entered the cabin, then on the Dreamliner it comes from the external environment, undergoing appropriate processing. As a result, the problem of insufficient moisture is solved.

Thanks to the features of the engines, noise in the cabin is reduced by 40% compared to previous models.

Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner: video

Photo Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner

Seat Selection Features: The Best and Worst Options

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is comfortable, but to get the most out of your flight, book your seats early. There are usually 3 classes of service in the cabin: "business", "premium economy" and "economy", with each compartment having the best and worst accommodation options.

Business class

When using the Boeing 787-900 diagram shown in the figure, rows 1-8 belong to business class:

• armchairs can be expanded to 180˚ and relax, like on a bed;
• there is enough legroom even for tall people;
• the seats are arranged in a 2-2-2 pattern, which allows you to get up to use the toilet or stretch your legs without disturbing anyone.

The capacity of the business compartment with the arrangement of seats according to this scheme is 48 passengers.

Despite the advantages, some places in the sector also have disadvantages. The 1st, 5th and 6th rows are located near the restrooms, so passengers scurry past them. 4A and 4L are also undesirable options: there are no windows nearby.

In premium economy

If you are not satisfied with either the prices in the "business" or the conditions in the "economy", choose an intermediate option. Once in the "premium economy", accommodating 88 passengers, you will appreciate the following benefits:

• extra legroom;
• seat dimensions, which are 88.9 cm long and 43.9 cm wide;
• Possibility to set the backrest in one of 4 positions.

Look for cheap tickets for any type of transport without leaving your home:

As for the choice of seats, passengers try to reserve the 16th row. It is located near the partition separating "premium economy" from "business", which provides legroom. Not without its drawbacks: passengers traveling with children often sit in this row.

The worst seats in the Boeing 787-900 are in the 24th row, as it is located near the toilet.

in economy class

If you purchased tickets for a flight in economy class, you will find yourself in a sector with a capacity of 116 people. The length of the seat here is 81.3 cm and the width is 43.9 cm; The backrest can be reclined and locked in one of 3 positions.

The best places include the 27th row, except for A and L, near which there are no windows. But you get extra legroom, which is important for tall passengers. The disadvantages include the proximity of restrooms.

What places would you like to avoid? These include the entire 40th and 41st rows, located near the toilets. Space on the shelves for luggage may also be lacking. You should not sit down on 38A or 38L either: they are located near the salon wall, but there is no porthole nearby.

The nuances of choosing seats on British Airways

The layout of seats on British Airways flights differs from the classic scheme:

• The first class is represented by 2 rows in the bow. The seats are comfortable: spacious compartments, large-diameter monitors and increased attention of the staff are at your disposal. The compartment is designed for 8 passengers.
• The world business class, accommodating 42 people, is divided into 2 parts: 14 and 28 seats. Armchairs are arranged according to the 2-3-2 scheme, and all seats are pleasing with convenience. An exception may be the 7th and 10th rows, since they are located next to the toilets and the kitchen.
• The improved economy version is represented by 39 seats arranged according to the 2-3-2 scheme (2-0-2 in the 21st row). Places with the letter E are considered not the most convenient: you will not get up to the toilet without disturbing your neighbor. Also, do not sit on 20D, 20E, 20F and all the seats in the 21st row, because they are located next to the restroom.
• In the economy sector, choose seats in the 30th row, as you will get extra legroom. True, hand luggage cannot be placed on the floor, because it is not allowed to clutter up the aisles near emergency exits. Unfortunate places include the 43rd and 44th rows, located near the toilets. Not very convenient on 41A and 41 K either, since there is no porthole nearby.

The layout of the cabin varies depending on the carrier, so reading the descriptions may not be enough. If necessary, contact the representatives of the company and ask questions about the location of the seats in order to save yourself from unpleasant surprises.

Features of the Boeing 787-900 cabin layout at KLM

When flying on a KLM airliner, pay attention to the following:

• The compartment "World Business Class" is located in the bow, occupying 8 rows. There is plenty of legroom as the herringbone seat spacing is 107 cm. Although comfort is provided to all passengers, seats 1A, 1K, 2D and 2G are close to the kitchen and toilets, which can be a nuisance. 5A and 5K are also considered bad options, since there are no windows nearby. Otherwise, the amenities are not satisfactory: the seats can be expanded to 180 ˚ and fully relax.
• "Economy class of increased comfort" is designed for 48 passengers. If legroom is the deciding factor, buy tickets for seats in the 10th row. The disadvantages include the proximity of the kitchen and restrooms.
• "Economy", designed for 216 people, is divided into 2 parts. Passengers in the 30th row will get the most legroom, although the proximity of the toilet will overshadow the journey. It is undesirable to be located on 30A and 30K: there are no windows next to them. Also note that due to the lack of a front row, sliding tables are mounted on armrests. As a result, they cannot be lowered to the end, and the width of the chair decreases. The entire 43rd (except for 43E) and 44th rows are referred to unsuccessful places: the proximity of the bathroom and the location in the tail affect, as a result of which turbulence is felt more strongly.

Pay attention to the details and you won't have to deal with unpleasant surprises!

First Class on the Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner: The Passenger Experience

Josh Kahil, who traveled with British Airways from London to Beijing, shares his experience. He purchased a ticket for seat 1A, located in the premium compartment. What did Josh say about the flight?

“The journey began at the 5th airport terminal in London. There was no queue at check-in, and the security service conducted an inspection in 10 minutes. Then I went to the lounge area, where I rested and had a snack before the flight. The food was mediocre, but I liked the champagne.

When we got on board, I thought that I had been sent to the "business" sector by mistake. If you compare the conditions with offers from Emirates or Lufthansa, then neither the service, nor the design of the cabin, nor the comfort can withstand the competition.

What I saw on board did not strike me: comfortable seats, USB ports and sockets are the norm, not the exception. The lack of Wi-Fi was disappointing, but the company plans to introduce it on liners only next year. In addition, the film that was shown to the passengers did not interest me, so the flight was a bit boring.

Breakfast and dinner left a mixed impression: on the one hand, I liked the food, as well as the wine. On the other hand, they didn't bring me a hot towel.

What deserves praise? Bedding pleased with convenience, especially pajamas. But the chair seemed narrow: I have already said that its design needs improvement. But the service did not cause complaints, because the flight attendants were attentive and friendly.

In general, I am satisfied with the flight, although it left the impression that I was flying in "business". Inexperienced travelers will like the option, but if you know in practice what luxury service is, then this will not impress you.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a new generation long-haul wide-body aircraft designed to carry from 234 to 296 passengers over a distance of up to 15,200 km.

The Boeing 787 is the first aircraft in history to be made up of 50% lightweight and durable composite materials. Dreamliner is positioned as a replacement for the outdated .

The cabin of the Boeing 787 has been designed with the latest technology in mind. First of all, the developers took care of the space, so the ceiling was designed in the form of an arch, which gives a feeling of more spaciousness than ordinary aisles in other aircraft.

The cabin width is 5.5 meters, which is more than in the Airbus A330 and A340. Lighting is based on LEDs that change color depending on the stage of flight. The size of the windows is 65% larger than in other aircraft. Instead of conventional blinds, they are equipped with an electrochromic dimming system. The luggage racks in the dreamliner are 30% larger than in other aircraft.

To date, one modification 787-8 is still in operation. The aircraft made its first flight in December 2009, and its commercial operation began in October 2011.

Airlines operating Boeing 787-8