Boeing's Dreamliner begins first commercial flight

Boeing's Dreamliner has finally taken off on its maiden commercial voyage, three years later than planned.

The All Nippon Airlines (ANA) flight is carrying its first passengers from Tokyo to Hong Kong.

Boeing's Dreamliner begins first commercial flight _56283978_ana

Boeing's Dreamliner begins first commercial flight _56283978_ana

The Dreamliner had originally been scheduled for delivery in 2008, but Boeing has suffered a string of setbacks.

Wednesday's flight is a special charter, with normal services due to start in November.

Because of the materials used in construction, Boeing says the Dreamliner is about 20% more fuel efficient than similarly sized models flying today.

That would help a big help for airlines coping with the high price of jet fuel, which is usually their biggest single cost.

"For carriers with high operating margins, the 787 is critical for gaining a cost competitiveness," said Masaharu Hirokane, an analyst at Nomura Holding in Tokyo.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15456914

Boeing's Dreamliner begins first commercial flight

Boeing's Dreamliner begins first commercial flight

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