Boeing has delivered a pair of 787 Dreamliners to Japan Airlines, the second carrier to receive the cutting-edge but long-delayed jet.
JAL will use the aircraft to launch non-stop services between Tokyo and Boston, a 13 hour flight showcasing the range that is one of the mid-sized 787’s selling points. The Boston flights are due to begin on April 22, with 787 flights between Tokyo and San Diego to follow.
The newly delivered 787s are the first to fly with General Electric GEnx engines, which received FAA approval last week. Launch customer All Nippon Airways took delivery of the first 787s with Rolls-Royce engines late last year and is using those aircraft on routes in Asia.
Boeing pitches the carbon composite-built 787 as 20 per cent more fuel efficient than current generation jetliners. The company has sold 873 787s to date, although the program has fallen more than three years behind its original production schedule. JAL has ordered 45 787s.
