World Premiere for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner

This morning (Asia time), Boeing officially debuted the 787 Dreamliner in a celebration attended by employees, airline customers, supplier partners and government and community officials.

The 787 Dreamliner Premiere was broadcast live in nine different languages via satellite to more than 45 countries and webcast over the internet. Distinguished journalist and best-selling author Tom Brokaw served as the master of ceremonies for the event. The timing of the launch was chosen specifically as Sunday, 8 July, is written 07/08/07 in the American date style.

Approximately 15,000 people attended the Premiere at the Everett final assembly factory. More than 30,000 participated via two-way satellite into the event in Everett from Japan, Italy and locations in the United States. As many as 90 other locations around the globe involving 787 customers, partners and many Boeing employees also chose to download the event live or watch it pre-recorded and host their own viewing event.

"This has been a wonderful and exciting day to celebrate this breakthrough airplane with our customers, employees, supplier partners and our communities," said Scott Carson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "We are gratified that the 787 has been so strongly validated in the marketplace by our customers. Their response is proof that the Dreamliner will bring real value to our airline customers, passengers and the global air transportation system."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a mostly composite commercial airplane, will, according to Boeing, use 20% less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, produce fewer carbon emissions, and will have quieter takeoffs and landings.

Following the premiere, the first 787 Dreamliner will be completed in the Everett factory - including the installation of final systems elements, interiors and flight test equipment. The first flight of the airplane is expected in late August or September 2007. A total of six 787 airplanes will be included in the flight test program, which Boeing hopes to conclude in May 2008 with the certification of the airplane followed shortly by the first delivery of a 787 to ANA.

To date, 47 customers worldwide have ordered 677 airplanes worth more than US$110 billion at current list prices.

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