Is the Dreamliner a failure?

The Dreamliner is a successful aircraft, still in production with more than 1600 delivered or on order. The list price for a new Boeing 787-8 is $239 million dollars. Yet even as international travel opens again for these long-range aircraft, two Dreamliners barely ten years old are waiting for the wrecker's ball.



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The Dreamliner is a successful aircraft, still in production with more than 1600 delivered or on order. The list price for a new Boeing 787-8 is $239 million dollars.

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The 787's latest problem mirrors production issues discovered over 2020 and 2021 that included improperly fitted shimming that led to paper-thin gaps between surfaces on the Dreamliner's fuselage.

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A report in 2021 revealed that Boeing Dreamliners are among the world's safest planes in terms of accidents. There have been no fatalities or events involving extensive damage during more than a decade of flights using the model.

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The longer the 787s remained on the ground, the more it would cost to get them to fly again, due to the maintenance work required. As a result, they were no longer airworthy.

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• Because the 787 is pressurized at about 6,000 feet rather than 8,000 feet, you'll breathe easier. More oxygen in your lungs means better sleep, less chance of headache, no difficulty breathing (flying at altitude is like sleeping at a ski resort).

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This high aspect ratio wing design combined with efficiency enhancing raked wing tips allow the 787 to be one of the fastest commercial aircraft (Mach 0.85 cruise speed) while consuming less fuel than today's comparably sized aircraft.

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Ecologically, and compared to previous generation wide-body aircraft, the Dreamliner has avoided more than 85 billion pounds of carbon emissions, achieved 20-25% greater fuel efficiency, realized 20-45% more cargo revenue capacity, and produced a 60% smaller airport noise footprint.

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The 787 can easily and more efficiently operate many of the routes the 777 was designed for. As such, many airlines have either upgraded to the 787 or are awaiting the arrival of the next-generation 777X.

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To start the Boeing 777 vs 787 comparison, we must say that the 787 is a more fuel efficient aircraft than the 777 thanks to its use of composite wings and more aerodynamically efficient design.

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In addition, the 787 is much quieter than other aircraft, so pilots can enjoy a quieter cockpit. The 787 also offers improved cabin comfort for airline pilots. The Dreamliner's cabin is pressurized to a higher altitude than conventional aircraft, which makes it easier to breathe and reduces fatigue during long flights.

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Thanks to its composite structure and revolutionary engines, the plane is more fuel-efficient and emits less CO2 – about 20 per cent less carbon on a flight from Britain to America. The 787 Dreamliner can fly about 8,000 miles without stopping, which means it can go direct to destinations other planes can't reach.

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In terms of capacity, it is abundantly clear that the A380 can carry significantly more passengers than any 787 variant. With 525 passengers in a standard, three-class configuration, the A380 has a sizeable advantage over the Boeing 787-10, which seats 323 passengers across three classes.

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One of the promises of the 787 was improved passenger comfort. There are several improvements in this area, including higher cabin air pressure. The cabin is pressurized at 6,000 feet, as opposed to 8,000 feet on most other aircraft, including the 777. However, the new 777X will match the 787 in this regard.

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The carbon-fibre structure of the 787 allows the aircraft to be pressurized to a much higher level than on many other aircraft types. The lower the cabin altitude, the better you feel both during and after the flight, allowing your body to adjust to your new time zone more quickly.

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The typical lifespan of airliners The composite-driven Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed for 44,000 flight cycles. These jets can theoretically last several decades with an average of two flight cycles a day. Unlike commercial airliners, fighter jets are unique due to their mission requirements.

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The Dreamliner's lightweight composite structure contributes to reduced noise levels, both inside and outside the aircraft. The use of advanced soundproofing materials and quieter engines keeps the cabin environment more tranquil for passengers.

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