Background on the 787

With many Boeing 767 and Airbus A300/310 models reaching the 20+ years of service mark, Boeing decided it was time to develop a very efficient replacement. Boeing created a twin-engine widebody capable of using 20% less fuel than current models. Boeing's design team in Everett Washington came up with three different models (-3 -8 -9) for the new 787 Dreamliner family. The 787-3 was designed primarily for high-density shorter-range flights. With seating of 290-330 passengers, the model will easily replace the 767-300 and DC-10s flying these routes. The 787-8 is a small long-range aircraft that will carry 200-215 passengers up to 8,000 NM. Lastly, the 787-9 will serve as a much longer ultra-range aircraft carrying 250-290 passengers up to 8,800 miles. With 21 airlines having ordered the models so far, Boeing is confident the 787 Dreamliner will help them maintain a greater market share over rival Airbus. Production has already begun and first entry into service is expected in 2008.