Boeing Delivers the First of its New 787 Dreamliner Aircraft to Japan Airlines (JAL)

On March 26, 2012, Japan Airlines (JAL) and the Boeing Corporation celebrated the delivery of the JAL’s first two 787 Dreamliners. JAL is Boeing’s first customer to take delivery of the new technologically advanced 787 aircraft.

The delivery was marked by a ceremony at the Boeing headquarters in Everett Washington. In attendance at the celbration, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony, were Japan Airlines President Yoshiharu Ueki and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh.

“Today is an important moment in our 60-year relationship with Japan Airlines as we celebrate the deliveries of not one, but two Dreamliners,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 will provide the fuel-efficient airplane needed to serve Japan Airlines’ growing international operations.”

Boeing indicated in its press release that the 787 Dreamliner is more efficient to for airlines and air carriers to operate and has lower fuel use compared with aircraft of a similar size. The efficiencies are a result of the use of light weight composites and advancements in systems, engines and aerodynamics.

“JAL will be the first airline to start new routes that have never been flown before by taking full advantage of the efficiencies of this aircraft, starting with Boston service next month and San Diego later this year,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, president of Japan Airlines. “The 787 with GEnx engines has the performance economics that JAL is looking for to ensure route profitability, and also the enhanced in-flight comfort that our customers will be delighted with.”

Japan Airlines ceremonially took possession of the 787 Dreamliner at a celebration with Japanese Taiko drummers and a dramatic airplane unveiling earlier this morning. Guests from Boeing, Japan Airlines and General Electric attended.

“GE is proud that its GEnx-1B engines will power JAL’s Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner,” said Chuck Nugent, vice president and general manager of the GEnx program at GE Aviation. “The GEnx engine combines advanced technology and material to offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and less noise to benefit our operators.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new airplane featuring a host of technologies that provide exceptional value to airlines and unparalleled levels of comfort to passengers. It is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public.