Boeing delivers first 787 Dreamliner

After some well-documented delays, Boeing has delivered its first 787 Dreamliner to launch customer ANA.

Japan’s ANA and Boeing completed the contractual delivery of the 787 on September 25 and the aircraft was officially handed over at a ceremony held adjacent to the Boeing Everett Factory at Paine Field, Washington where the airplane was assembled. 500 Boeing employees representing the 787 program attended the ceremony.

During the ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh presented a ceremonial key to ANA President and CEO Shinichiro Ito. Speaking at the ceremony, Albaugh said the first 787 Dreamliner represented a significant moment for Boeing.

“It’s not often that we have the chance to make history,” Albaugh said. “That’s what the 787 Dreamliner is and what ANA and Boeing have done together – build what truly is the first new airplane of the 21st Century.

“I want to thank ANA and all the employees of Boeing and our partner companies for the talent, technology and teamwork that have brought this airplane to life.”

CAPTION:More than 500 Boeing employees and a crowd of thousands attended the 787 handing over ceremony. (Boeing)

“We are delighted to be taking delivery finally of our first 787,” Ito added. “ANA is extremely proud to be the launch customer for the Dreamliner and to have helped Boeing so closely in the development of this state-of-the-art aircraft.

“The Dreamliner will enable us to offer unrivalled standards of service and comfort to our passengers and will play a key part in ANA’s plans for international expansion.”

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes.

Today, ANA is flying the 787 from Paine Field to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Watch video highlights of the 787 first delivery events.

CAPTION: Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh presents a ceremonial key to ANA President and CEO Shinichiro Ito at the handing over ceremony. (Boeing)