Aerospace Development and the Boeing 787 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Aerospace Development and the Boeing 787 - Essay Example The 787-9 with a capacity of 290 seats and the 787-3 with 330 are set for a release in mid and late 2010 ("Program Fact Sheet"). The 787-8 and 787-9 are long distance carriers with a range of over 8,000 nautical miles. The 787-3 is a shorter distance aircraft with a maximum range of just over 3,000 nautical miles ("Technical Information"). The Boeing 787 boasts several innovative improvements that make it an environmentally friendly, efficient, and economical aircraft. The performance of the 787 is similar to the 747 and 777 that travel at a speed of Mach .85 ("Program Fact Sheet"). By using a higher ratio of carbon composite materials, the 787 has a weight savings of 30,000 to 40,000 pounds compared to an Airbus A330-200, which results in a 20% fuel savings ("Program Fact Sheet"). In addition, the 787 produces 20% fewer emissions and it is anticipated that maintenance costs will be reduced by 30% ("Program Fact Sheet"). Customer orders have been placed by major airlines from around the world. The largest orders have come from ANA at 50, Northwest Airlines at 18, JAL at 35, Continental Airlines at 20, Air China at 15, Air Canada at 14, China Eastern Airlines at 15, International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) at 22, LCAL (Low-Cost Aircraft Leasing) at 15, China Southern Airlines at 10, Air India at 27, Qantas at 45, Singapore Airlines at 20, and Jet Airways at 10 ("Boeings 787 Dreamliner Surpasses 500 Customer Orders", "Program fact Sheet"). Several other international airlines have placed smaller orders bringing the total to 514 aircraft. Delivery is currently set for early 2008 for the 787-8 and 2010 for the 787-9 and 787-3. The current orders for 514 aircraft represent the initial delivery of what Boeing anticipates will be 3,500 787 aircraft by the year 2023 ("Program Facts"). This will represent $400 billion in sales through this 20-year period. The major competitor for the soon to be released 787-8