New airplanes are revolutionizing flight

Melanie Chambers
Published: August 23, 2008

Boeing’s newest aircrafts, the 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8 Intercontinental, will feature numerous innovations that will curb fuel consumption and add to passenger comfort and pleasure. The airplanes are due to be placed into commercial service in 2009 and 2010 respectively and will revolutionize air travel.

The Dreamliner, a 210- to 250-passenger airplane that will have a maximum flight range of about 9,300 miles, has proven to provide unmatched fuel efficiency. A new lighter carbon composite fuselage, advanced engine and computer technology have resulted in a 20 percent fuel savings, when matched to today’s similarly sized airplane. The 787 will carry more cargo and travel at similar speeds to current wide body aircraft.

How will the Dreamliner be different for me as a passenger? Boeing calls your initial impression of the interior, “wow appeal.” The cabin will have an open feeling, a calming affect with soft, blue-sky lighting, and improved, comfortable seating. Tests have shown the aircraft to provide a smoother flight as the aircraft anticipates and corrects for turbulent air. The 787 has a technologically advanced air purification system which furnishes the cabin with a healthier environment, increasing the supply, humidity and cleanliness of the air.

Boeing’s next arrival is the 747-8 Intercontinental, anticipated in 2010. Some of the best attributes of the 777 and the 787 will be combined in this double-decker passenger plane designed to replace the old and less efficient 747.

The 787-8’s futuristic-looking, sleek entryway, featuring a sweeping staircase leading to the upper deck, will facilitate the boarding and deplaning process. Passengers will instantly have a sense of calm and open space when they view the high, arched ceilings; special mood lighting, which is meant to relax passengers and minimize jet lag; and extra legroom. Boeing spokesman said, “It’s a lot more welcoming and makes for a better passenger flow,” when referencing the spaciousness of the cabin.

The 747-8 will carry about 50 more passengers than the current model. Although larger it will be more fuel-efficient, 16 percent more than the 747-400 presently in use.

Meanwhile, across the ocean in Europe, Airbus has already developed the Airbus 380 with many of the features common to the Dreamliner, and with a seating capacity of 525 people. Airbus is now testing the Airbus 380-800 with seating for 800 passengers in an aircraft with two full decks.

With mega airships and mega cruise ships — Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has the Oasis of the Seas debuting in the fall of 2009 with room for more than 5,400 passengers — it makes me wonder where this travel revolution will take us. New travel innovations are good. But is bigger always better?

Melanie Chambers, CTC, is a travel consultant for Battlefield Travel in downtown Culpeper. She can be reached at 825-1393 or .