Boeing will build the first three 787-9s on its
Temporary Surge Line in Everett to allow for
smoother integration of the 787-9 into the
production system while continuing to ramp up
production across the 787 program.
The 787-9 will complement and extend the 787
family, offering airlines the ability to grow
routes opened with the 787-8. With the fuselage
stretched by 20 feet (6 meters), the 787-9 will
carry 40 more passengers an additional 300
nautical miles (555 kilometers) while using 20
percent less fuel than similarly sized
airplanes. The 787-9 leverages the visionary
design of the 787-8, offering the features
passengers prefer such as large, dimmable
windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting,
higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner
air and a smoother ride.
The vertical stabilizer on this 787-9 reflects
the new Boeing Commercial Airplanes livery, a
refreshed look for the Boeing family of
airplanes that started with the 747-8 and
evolved with the 737 MAX. Many features of the
livery on the original 787 are reflected in the
new design. The prominent number designator on
the tail helps distinguish various models within
the same product family.
First flight of the 787-9 is scheduled for the
second half of 2013, with first delivery to
launch customer Air New Zealand set for early
2014. 20 customers around the world have ordered
355 787-9s, accounting for 40 percent of all 787
orders.
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