Boeing dresses 787 for 'passenger experience'
By George Tibbits |
February 5, 2010, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BOEING Co designers and marketers are betting that a lot of subtle changes in the interior of their new 787 jetliner will spark strong passenger demand to fly on the plane.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes on Wednesday showed off the first 787 with a passenger cabin installed. The plane, the third 787 to be built, is among six that Boeing is using in its flight test program this year.
While the other aircraft will test flight characteristics and aircraft strength, this plane, scheduled to fly later this month, is dedicated to cabin features and safety - the "passenger experience" as Boeing describes it. Everything on board, from the ventilation system to the coffee pots, must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration before 787s can go into passenger service.
Bigger windows that are dimmed electronically, mood lighting, more spacious lavatories and other features all were carefully chosen to please passengers, said Tom Galantowicz, Boeing's director of 787 interiors. Among the "very simple things," he said, are more convenient latches on the larger overhead baggage bins.
The bins, which swing up and away, also allow more headroom. Lavatories have imitation tile floors and toilet seats that close electronically - no need to touch should the previous occupant thoughtlessly leave it up.
The initial 787-8 model will carry 210 to 250 passengers on routes of up to 15,125 kilometers, such as New York to Hong Kong. Aircraft comfort becomes important on such long flights.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes on Wednesday showed off the first 787 with a passenger cabin installed. The plane, the third 787 to be built, is among six that Boeing is using in its flight test program this year.
While the other aircraft will test flight characteristics and aircraft strength, this plane, scheduled to fly later this month, is dedicated to cabin features and safety - the "passenger experience" as Boeing describes it. Everything on board, from the ventilation system to the coffee pots, must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration before 787s can go into passenger service.
Bigger windows that are dimmed electronically, mood lighting, more spacious lavatories and other features all were carefully chosen to please passengers, said Tom Galantowicz, Boeing's director of 787 interiors. Among the "very simple things," he said, are more convenient latches on the larger overhead baggage bins.
The bins, which swing up and away, also allow more headroom. Lavatories have imitation tile floors and toilet seats that close electronically - no need to touch should the previous occupant thoughtlessly leave it up.
The initial 787-8 model will carry 210 to 250 passengers on routes of up to 15,125 kilometers, such as New York to Hong Kong. Aircraft comfort becomes important on such long flights.
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