By Dan Nosowitz Posted 08.29.2011 at 3:10 pm 17 Comments

787 In Flight The final Boeing 787 Dreamliner to join the flight test fleet made its first flight Oct. 4 from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Boeing

It's been a long road, one paved with delays (and sometimes sparks), but this week, Boeing's enormous, lightweight, next-generation 787 Dreamliner airplane was officially approved by the FAA and will begin shipping late next month.

The 787 has been undergoing work for years now. Boeing doesn't actually roll out all that many entirely new models: only eleven to date. The 787, in case you haven't been reading our coverage, promises to be a lighter-weight (due to its carbon fiber body), more fuel-efficient, and more comfortable aircraft, with Boeing making improvements in everything from air quality to seating arrangements.

It's had a rocky birth, with everything from smoke in the cabin to those aforementioned sparks getting in the way of this certification, but the FAA gave its blessing on Friday and Boeing says it'll begin shipping the planes on September 26th.

17 Comments

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rg-5
08/29/11 at 3:30 pm

Will start shipping... Its an aircraft, yet it still as to be shipped?

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BubbaGump
08/29/11 at 5:14 pm

All the bugs have been worked out for flying. Um, landing is still an developing option.... Ka-SPLAT!

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beefymclovin
08/29/11 at 5:15 pm

imagine the shipping cost...is there any assembly required upon delivery? do they gift wrap them?

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Mudmax
08/29/11 at 7:32 pm

It is delivered with a small allen wrench in the box for assembly...

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intrepidDesign
08/29/11 at 7:41 pm

You guys have obviously never seen the 787 Dreamlifter, no joke, they fly the fuselage of the plane inside another plane, kinda like a churducken. In this case though, when they say ship they mean it very generally. Once the plane rolls off the assembly line they fly it to the country which purchased it. Man I cannot WAIT to travel in one of these, and I absolutely hate flying.

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rg-5
08/30/11 at 4:02 am

Isn't the ol' Beluga a little small for this one?

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ZeroCool100
08/30/11 at 10:15 am

I think it would be fun to test new airplanes like this one. Looks cool too.

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JediMindset
08/30/11 at 11:42 am

wow why on earth are we still flying in giant heavy aluminum death traps? we need a major upgrade on commercial air transportation.

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kramer_ghhs
08/30/11 at 6:39 pm

JediMindset, obviously you do not know anything about this plane. Your comment makes no sense in the context of this article, in fact, it is completely contradictory.

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pheonix1012
08/31/11 at 11:15 am

@kramer)_ghhs

Maybe he just doesn't like aviation.

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pheonix1012
08/31/11 at 11:16 am

Sorry about the typo.

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Dragan408
09/01/11 at 12:49 pm

@JediMindset, obviously, you have not read the article. This IS the major upgrade. More comfort (new seat configuration/more space) and range (better fuel efficiency), while lessening weight (CARBON FIBER instead of TITANIUM [which is what you said]). Not to mention better/quieter engines and better wing design.

As for the people talking about shipping, Intrepid is correct. They fly the aircraft to the purchaser.

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JediMindset
09/05/11 at 2:09 pm

@Dragan408
thanks for the clear up.

@kramer_ghhs
what are you talking about?

_________________
The people of the world only divide into two kinds, One sort with brains who hold no religion, The other with religion and no brain.

- Abu-al-Ala al-Marri

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BubbaGump
09/05/11 at 10:32 pm

Mr. JediMindset, well I am traveling and off to Brazil for a stay. I will return. I do travel a lot in my job. I feel very lucky to have such an interesting job. I get to play with gadgets and toys and electronic thingies. I get to do lots of physical stuff as well. I go to places that are unusual too. You have been so nice to me and I really appreciate your comments. Take care, God Bless and I wish all good things happen your way! Bye.

Oh, I am Republican too. ;)

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Greg_NJ
09/06/11 at 8:51 am

Off to find some cheap boys, BubbaTeaBagger?

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critical_mach
09/12/11 at 1:54 pm

@JediMindset
You realize that your quote is saying that you religiously believe that there is no religion, right? Your god is your belief that there is no room for religion in your life.

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pioneer10
09/18/11 at 5:06 pm

I know, its full of improvements, innovative, and (more) eco-friendly and quieter and more comfortable.

Still doesn't look any more advanced than a 1960's Boeing Jet on the outside (to me, anyway).

Will they always look like this? Will passenger jets forever be this boring in their appearance?

Apologies for the engineering types that truly appreciate the advances the plane represents.



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