First Boeing 787 lands in Japan

ANA landed the first Boeing 787 in Tokyo on Wednesday, continuing the U.S. manufacturer's dominance of Japan's aircraft market after long delays in delivering a jet that promises big fuel savings and other improvements.

The plane took off from Everett, Washington Tuesday morning to cheering workers after a three-year delay in bringing the new wide-body jetliner to market. Boeing ( BA - news - people ) missed the initial May 2008 delivery target and had repeatedly delayed its introduction because of problems in development.

The new jet is the first commercial airliner built using carbon fiber - a strong, lightweight, high-tech plastic - rather than the typical aluminum skin. It is quieter and uses about 20 percent less fuel than a comparably sized aluminum aircraft.

The 787 delivered to All Nippon Airways goes into service on Oct. 26 with a special charter flight from Narita International Airport to Hong Kong. ANA will begin using the 787 on regular domestic routes on Nov. 1.

Japanese companies played a major role in building the 787, accounting for 35 percent of its airframe structure, according to Boeing. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. ( MHVYF.PK - news - people ) produces the wings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. makes part of the fuselage, and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. manufacturers the center wing box.

Boeing's relationship with Japan extends beyond the factory as well.

First delivered Boeing 787 flying away to Japan

Signed, sealed and delivered, the first Boeing 787 flies away from Everett, Wash., on Tuesday in the hands of launch customer All Nippon Airways.

Boeing officials handed over a ceremonial key to airline executives Monday, after a three-year delay in bringing the new wide-body jetliner to market. The plane goes into service in November in Japan.

The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 - 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 - 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers).

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today's similarly sized airplanes. It will also travel at a similar speed as today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity.

Passengers will also see improvements on the 787 Dreamliner, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.

The key to the exceptional performance of the 787 Dreamliner is a suite of new technologies developed and applied on the airplane.

Composite materials make up 50 percent of the primary structure of the 787 including the fuselage and wing.

Modern systems architecture is at the heart of the 787's design. It is simpler than today's airplanes and offers increased functionality and efficiency. For example, the team has incorporated airplane health-monitoring systems that allow the airplane to self-monitor and report systems maintenance requirements to ground-based computer systems.

New engines from General Electric and Rolls-Royce are used on the 787. Advances in engine technology are the biggest contributor to overall fuel efficiency improvements. The new engines represent nearly a two-generation jump in technology for the middle of the market.

The design and build process of the 787 has added further efficiency improvements. New technologies and processes have been developed to help Boeing and its supplier partners achieve the efficiency gains. For example, manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section has eliminated 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000 - 50,000 fasteners.