With British Airways receiving delivery of its 25th Boeing 787 Dreamliner this month – and more on order for the not-so-distant future – Molly Haynes gets the lowdown from BA’s Captain Al Bridger, chief pilot Boeing, and Captain Ian Pringle, flight training manager for the 787, on this aviation engineering marvel.
1. Smoothly does it
Ever heard of Smoother Ride Technology (SRT)? Unique to the 787 family, it senses turbulence and adjusts control surfaces to dampen the effect, before it reaches the passengers. This, and the fact that the aircraft can reach up to 43,100ft means it can fly above most bad weather.
2.Tech-tastic
“From a pilot’s perspective, the 787 is a pleasure to fly,” says Captain Pringle. “The cockpit has large windows and a space-age flight deck featuring the latest technology.” This includes a Head Up Display (HUD) for each pilot, which projects data onto a transparent glass screen. A bit like a fast jet pilot? “Exactly,” agrees Captain Bridger.
3.Lighter, stronger, faster
“The 787 has a knitted, composite carbon-fibre fuselage, similar to a Formula 1 car,” explains Captain Pringle. “The wings are made of the same material, giving the plane an elegant look and improving fuel efficiency.” What’s more, the aircraft’s efficient operation means it can fly to cities that would not sustain other aircraft types. It also pioneers new destinations for BA customers – the Dreamliner already services Santiago and Orleans.
4.Lighter, stronger, faster
“The 787 has a knitted, composite carbon-fibre fuselage, similar to a Formula 1 car,” explains Captain Pringle. “The wings are made of the same material, giving the plane an elegant look and improving fuel efficiency.” What’s more, the aircraft’s efficient operation means it can fly to cities that would not sustain other aircraft types. It also pioneers new destinations for BA customers – the Dreamliner already services Santiago and Orleans.
5.And breathe…
It’s not just fuel efficiency and great views that the carbon fibre fuselage brings – it also improves the cabin ambience. “The body of the plane is strong enough to maintain a lower cabin altitude, which means there is more oxygen and humidity in the air, so the effects of jet lag are reduced significantly,” explains Captain Pringle. “It’s like being on top of a 6,000ft mountain rather than an 8,000ft one,” adds Captain Bridger. “A very comfortable, fast-moving, state-of-the-art mountain, that is.”
