Why 2007 was a momentous year for the Dreamliner – and everything that happened after

The Boeing 787, also known as the Dreamliner, is quite a fabled jet. The original concept was to make a jet that’s incredibly efficient and environment-friendly, hence the original name “7E7.” The plan was to make it as long range as the 777 and 747 models. However, even with the program already designated in 2003, it wasn’t until 2007 that the ball finally got rolling.

2007 was a momentous year for the Dreamliner because that’s when the 787 program officially opened its final assembly plant in Everett, Washington. A year later, Boeing took over the business and operations of Vought Aircraft Industries in North Charleston. By the end of 2009, the Dreamliner made its first flight from Paine Field in Everett.

Late in 2011, the Dreamliner proved its worth even further when it completed the longest flight for an airplane of its weight in a 10,336-nautical-mile journey, breaking the record previously set by the Airbus A330. Briefly after touchdown, the Dreamliner once again took to the skies and returned to Seattle. The entire trip took 42 hours and 26 minutes, breaking another record – completing a trip around the world in the shortest time for an airplane in its weight class.

The Dreamliner has since received countless awards in aviation from several award-giving bodies, on its way to being one of the most commercially successful airplanes in aviation history.

Aside from being a pilot and engineer, Alexis Fecteau is the Director of Marketing for Boeing Business Jets. For similar updates, visit this blog.