Ah, there’s nothing like that “new plane smell.”
Boeing revealed this week that its latest, super-advanced plane —the Boeing 787-9 “Dreamliner” — has won final approval from the FAA and European regulators to begin commercial flights.
That means you’ll soon be able to fly the friendly skies in this super-sweet (and super-large; it’s even bigger than its predecessor, the 787-8) aircraft. Boeing says 26 customers worldwide have the plane on order, including Air New Zealand, which will get the first one.
While the new Dreamliner lacks some airplane features that we dream about (a separate soundproof cabin for crying babies; automatic vodka dispensers at every seat), it does have several new extras that travelers will love. Here are the things you’ll love about the new Boeing 787-9.....
IT’S BIGGER
(Photo by AP)
…both in size and in range. The plane’s fuselage is 20 feet longer than its predecessor. Plus it has a range of 8,000-8,500 nautical miles (the 787-8 has a range of 7,650-8,200). Admit it; it’s kinda cool to be on the biggest plane on the runway.
AND IT’S BIGGER ON THE INSIDE
It seats 280 passengers, nearly 40 more than its predecessor. Time will tell if that improves your chances of getting that last standby seat.
THE WINDOWS ARE AWESOME
They’re bigger. And, like the 787-8, they dim at the push of a button. So no more fielding requests from seat neighbors to pull down (or pull up) those window shutters.
THERE’S MORE ROOM FOR YOUR STUFF
The Dreamliner says it has the industry’s largest baggage bins. Will airlines increase their carry-on size limits?
YOU’L BE ABLE TO SLEEP BETTER
Air New Zealand, which will be the fist airline to take delivery of the new Dreamliner 787-9, is really beefing up its sleep space with its new plane. The business cabin will have 18 lie-flat seats.
YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SLEEP BETTER, VOL. 2
The Dreamliner consumes 20% less fuel and produces 20% lower CO 2 emissions than other planes its size, meaning you can rest easily knowing you’re being (slightly) more environmentally friendly.
LED MOOD LIGHTING
Great for nice airplane ambience — not to mention making it easier to see your iPad as you use your flight to catch up on “Game Of Thrones.”
BETTER AIR
Scoops on the side of the plane constantly bring in fresh air, which goes through an advanced filtration system that makes the air cleaner and more humid, meaning your eyes and skin won’t dry out as much.
UNDER PRESSURE
The plane is pressurized at a lower altitude, reducing those unpleasant side-effects of flying (air sickness, headaches, etc.). They’ll keep the air sickness bags on board, though, in case the in-flight movie stars Nicolas Cage.
SMOOTHER, QUIETER RIDE
(Photo by Boeing)
Everything about the plane — from its air conditioning to the materials used for the seats and cabin — is designed to make your flight even quieter. But it won’t be 100% quieter. Hey Boeing: maybe you can put that soundproof baby cabin in the 787-10.
(Photo by Boeing)
(Sid Lipsy - Yahoo Travel)
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