By IANS,
New Delhi : The much talked about 787 Dreamliner from Boeing, on its maiden visit to India, landed in the national capital Wednesday, with everybody yearning to catch a glimpse of the aircraft which boasts of the best fuel efficiency in its class.
The company claimed the Dreamliner is apt for Indian aviation companies as it will reduce operating costs in terms of maintenance, consume 20 percent less fuel and provide the airline with faster turnarounds, resulting in more flying hours.
The plane can fly up to 16,000 km non-stop, suitable for long-haul routes like Mumbai-Sydney, Delhi-Tokyo, Delhi-New York or Delhi-Toronto.
Fuel costs comprise nearly 40 percent of the total operating expenses of an airline. Till date, Air India and Jet Airways have placed an order for a total of 37 Dreamliners with Boeing.
“This plane is made out of composite materials and has the most advanced aerodynamic design. Coupled with the latest avionics, it provides 20 percent savings on fuel costs and has low maintenance,” Dinesh Keskar, president of Boeing India, told IANS in the aircraft’s cockpit.
The Dreamliner is Boeing’s latest offering with a seating configuration of between 270 and 350, and will start commercial operations with Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Air India is scheduled to get its first 787 Dreamliner by end 2011. The Indian national carrier will conduct three trial runs in the next two days.
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi along with senior officials is expected to inspect the aircraft Thursday.