Boeing 787's inaugural flight lands in Hong Kong

Associated Press ^ | October 26, 2011

[ConservativeStatement]

After a delay of more than three years, Boeing's much-hyped newest jet, the 787, made its first commercial flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong -- and landed on-time.

The All Nippon Airways flight was packed mostly with aviation reporters and enthusiasts, some of whom paid thousands of dollars for the privilege and treated the experience like a rock concert, clapping after lift-off and snapping photos for posterity.

[Loud Mime]

The flex on those long wings is impressive. It’s beautiful, but I wonder about the reason for its design.

[ml/nj]

Hope that landing runway in Hong Kong was a long one. Just sayin'.

ML/NJ

[MCCC]

The flex on those long wings is impressive. It’s beautiful, but I wonder about the reason for its design. The flex is most certainly the result of the high composite carbon content. Seein that the wings are always tested to destruction, the flex exhibited in the video is well within the design limits. Also, the flex has the additional benefit of reduing the induced drag, the major contributor to fuel consumption, which makes the 787 a more fuel efficient aircraft.

[I am Richard Brandon]

"But it is built out of ultra-lightweight materials and promises to dramatically improve airlines' fuel efficiency, a big deal at a time of soaring oil prices."

Oh Goody - cheaper fares again. NOT!

[ConservativeStatement]

Here’s more video from a CBS report:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX5F-80CZCI

[AGreatPer]

Threes years late but done right.

What a beautiful plane.