We thought we should address the unveiling of the new 787…Fifteen thousand cheering people showed up to the event, giving crowds at the plant in Everett, Washington the first look at Boeing’s first all-new plane in twelve years. The event, hosted by Tom Brokaw, was watched live by thousands at Qwest Field in Seattle and simulcast on satellite.
Airbus even sent them a congratulatory letter..showing that the rivalry between the two is at least…civilized. Industry analysts commented that Airbus is eager to remove itself from the spotlight after the negative publicity of the Airbus 380 and 350 aircraft…plagued by problems. If Boeing fails to keep the 787 mostly on schedule, it will suffer a similar problem.
Test flights are scheduled to begin in late August or September, with the delivery of the first Dreamliner scheduled next May, to All Nippon Airways, in time too carry passengers to the Beijing Olympics. Forty-six other airlines and leasing companies are on the list after ANA.
Boeing’s press release on the event can be found here. The premiere event can be found on newairplane.com.