The Future of Air Travel

Boeing is developing a new plane that will hit the skies in 2008. It's called the 787 Dreamliner. Using revolutionary technologies and composite materials, the 787 will utilize 20 percent less fuel than a similar sized plane, the 767.

Passengers will see increased space in the cabin, higher humidity, revolutionary new lighting systems to simulate different times of day, and a quieter ride.

Boeing took a big risk in going after this share of the market. For the last few years, the press has been touting the super giant Airbus A380 which is due to hit the market in the second quarter of 2007. US commercial carriers have yet to order any of the giant 2 deck aircraft which can hold over 800 people in an all coach configuration. (Fedex and UPS have ordered cargo versions of the giants.)

Boeing has said for years that the market was moving away from larger aircraft flying from hub airports (ie. Los Angeles - London or New York - Tokyo) to smaller aircraft flying from airports closer to travelers (ie. Seattle - Tokyo or Phoenix - London) and bet their future on it. Boeing has received 379 orders and counting for their smaller, more efficient aircraft. Airbus, meanwhile, has received only 159 orders for their bigger competitor.


I am looking forward to seeing both planes in the skies by 2008. Must admit though, my dreams are of 787s as of late. Bigger isn't always better in my book.

Cuidate.