Two captains from All Nippon Airlines became the first customer pilots to fly the Boeing 787 on May 12, taking flight test aircraft ZA001 on a 1 hour 40 minute flight over Washington state.
Flying the aircraft were Capt Masayuki Ishii, director of 787 pre-operations planning, and Capt Masami Tsukamoto, manager of 787 pre-operations, while Boeing chief test pilot Christine Walsh and 787 general manager Scott Fancher were also on board the flight, which was operated under a special airworthiness certificate granted by the FAA.
“It was fantastic and an incredible experience,” said Capt Ishii. “ANA passengers are in for an incredible experience when they fly on the 787.”
Both pilots are currently type rated on the 777, and Boeing expects that the once regulatory approval is gained that 777 pilots will be able to convert to the 787 in as few as five days.
ANA is scheduled to take delivery of its first 787-8 during the final quarter of the year.
