The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner to be delivered to launch customer All Nippon Airways has been rolled out ahead of its delivery.
The first 787 to enter commercial service after delays in the development programme of up to three years has almost completed flight testing and is due for delivery to the Japanese airline next month.
The configuration of the first new generation long haul aircraft includes 264 seats – 12 in business and 252 in economy – with personal television sets, roomier seats, an automatic toilet with a wash function, more storage, an arched entry way with a bar, dimmable windows and larger toilets.
Boeing is about three years behind schedule in delivering the first 787 largely because of snags in the unusually complex global supply chain.
UK airlines Thomson Airways and British Airways are among global carriers to have place orders with Boeing for 827 orders for the Dreamliner, with promises 20% greater fuel efficiency than similarly sized aircraft.
ANA, which has orders of 55 $200 million Dreamliners, is to start domestic flights with the new aircraft in September.
The 787 programme vice president and general manager Scott Fancher, speaking at the roll-out at Boeing Seattle factory, said: “The plane is being certified to the highest FAA [Federation Aviaition Administration] standards
“But the real focus of the travelling public will likely be on customer satisfaction and the elegance of the flight.”