British Airways has taken delivery of its first wide-body, twin-engine Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is the first of 24 airliners the carrier has on order.
The British Airways 787 departed Paine Field in Everett, Washington, and arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport.
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British Airways, which is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), said it would operate the 787 from Heathrow to Toronto from 1 September and Heathrow to Newark from 1 October.
The 787 Dreamliner is made of lightweight composite materials instead of aluminium in the fuselage and wings. It features advances to systems, the engine and aerodynamic capabilities.
According to Boeing, the aircraft is capable of flying long-haul routes, uses 20% less fuel and is less expensive to maintain compared with the rival aircraft in the segment.
IAG chief executive officer Willie Walsh said that the 787 was an innovative aircraft.
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By GlobalData"The 787 will become a mainstay of the British Airways fleet over the next few years," Walsh said.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes European sales vice-president Todd Nelp said: "The 787 is the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient commercial jetliner in its class. Its improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and cleaner cabin air will offer BA’s passengers an unparalleled flying experience."
IAG recently stated that it would convert 18 options for the 787 into firm orders for British Airways, with 12 being 787-10s.
British Airways employs more than 40,000 people mainly in the UK, although it has staff based in more 75 countries.
The airline’s route network currently serves more than 177 destinations and it operates some 300,000 flights a year.
Image: British Airways stated that it would operate the 787 from Heathrow to Toronto from 1 September and Heathrow to Newark from 1 October. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
