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Air India’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner unveiled

September 09, 2012 Photo(s): By SP Guide Pubns

Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh and former Cabinet Minister Shahnawaz Hussain during the Dreamliner launch

Ajit Singh unveiling the Dreamliner by cutting the ribbon; while Shahnawaz Hussain, MP Naveen Jindal and BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy look on

Delighted Ajit Singh, Shahnawaz Hussain, Rajiv Pratap Rudy & Naveen Jindal waving at onlookers

Air India’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on September 8. Launching the aircraft, Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh informed that the B787 will commence flying to Europe and Australia from the winters of 2012 and it is expected that the aircraft will be a game changer for Air India.

Singh said, “Air India signed an agreement for purchase of 68 aircraft (23-B777, 18-B737, 27-B787) in December 2005. Twenty seven B787 due for delivery in September 2008 to October 2011, will now be delivered from 2012 to March 2016. Air India is going to get five more B787 in the current year up to December 2012. Of the remaining 21 aircraft, seven will be received in 2012, five in 2014, six in 2015 and three in 2016.”

Along with a water canon salute, a religious ceremony was also conducted to welcome the aircraft wherein Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan and many senior Civil Aviation Ministry and Air India officials were present.

The Dreamliner took 15 hours to fly from Boeing's Charleston factory in South Carolina, the US to Delhi. The aircraft was delivered to Air India on September 6 in yet another ceremony at South Carolina. Air India which has placed orders for 27 Dreamliners, is the fifth airline globally to take delivery of a 787 Dreamliner. It is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the travelling public.

The Dreamliner 787 as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation consumes less fuel to the extent of 15 per cent less as compared to aircraft in the same class and 30 per cent less compared with Boeing 777. Apart from passenger comfort in terms of comfortable and bigger seats, in flight entertainment, mood lightings, lavatories, large windows, the most distinguished feature of this aircraft is the cabin pressure control, which allows cabin pressure to be set at lower levels i.e. equivalent to 6000 feet for B787 in lieu of 8000 feet. Further, it is equipped with a gaseous air purification system. Both these features provide enhanced passenger comfort in terms of less fatigue and more freshness during long-haul flights. The aircraft emits less carbon, thereby causing less environmental pollution.

The Dreamliner is powered by GEnx-1B engine, which offers up to 15 per cent improved fuel efficiency. “GE Aviation is excited to have its GEnx-1B engine begin flying with Air India,” said Chuck Nugent, General Manager of the GEnx Program at GE Aviation. “The GEnx engine is performing exceptionally well since it entered service in October, and we look forward to continuing this success with Air India.” John Flannery, President & CEO, GE India said, “We congratulate Air India on this historic moment. We are proud that Air India has partnered with GE to bring next generation technologies into the country. GE’s GEnx engine will enable quicker travel time, support cost and fuel efficiencies as well as create a cleaner environment, all of which are important priorities for India. It is our constant endeavour to deliver solutions to our customers that bring business benefits to them and help change lives in a positive manner.”