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Boeing unveils 'green' Dreamliner passenger jet

 Fresh approach ... 50 per cent of the primary structure of the the Dreamliner – including the fuselage and wing – will be made of composites such as carbon-fibre. Picture: Boeing

THE eyes of the aviation world will be fixed on Boeing in Seattle this Sunday (Monday, Australian time) when the US aircraft giant unveils its 787 Dreamliner, the "green" passenger jet it hopes will revolutionise air travel.

The mid-sized plane, which seats up to 330 passengers and is capable of flying long-haul routes using up to 20 per cent less fuel while pumping out fewer greenhouse gases, will be rolled out for 300 gathered media.

The 787 – Boeing's first new model in 13 years – will make its maiden test flight later this year before going into commercial service with Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) in 2008.

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The new aircraft boasts several revolutionary design features, most notably the use of high-tech plastic composites instead of aluminium.

Up to 50 per cent of the primary structure of the plane – including the fuselage and wing – will be made of composites such as carbon-fibre.

"By manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section, we are eliminating 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000-50,000 fasteners," Boeing said in a statement.    READ MORE

        


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