WHAT’ S SPECIAL ABOUT THE DREAMLINER?
The wings
Passengers often don’t want to think about the wings, since it seems a miracle that an aircraft can fly without them flapping. But those of the B787 are a thing of beauty. The aircraft is identifiable to even the most inept planespotters by virtue of its raked wingtip (where the wing sweeps upwards at the end). The wings are designed to give the aircraft greater fuel efficiency and allow it to climb more effectively. They also flex. At the Boeing factory I was told that they had a machine that tested how strong the wings were by lifting them upwards until they broke. In the case of the B787, its wings broke the machine instead.
Reduced turbulence
Fly often enough and you will inevitably encounter turbulence. But with forecasting improvements, pilots can avoid the worst of the weather. Newer aircraft such as the B787 are very good at reducing turbulence. The aircraft has a gust-suppression system, which recognises changes in wind speed and direction, and counteracts them quickly to give a smoother ride.
Higher pressure
The aircraft consists of a composite fuselage made of plastics wrapped with carbon fibre, which makes it stronger and lighter than aluminium, and also not prone to the metal fatigue resulting from flexing. This allows cabin pressure to be maintained at a higher level than with previous aircraft – pressure equivalent to 1,800 metres altitude, instead of the more usual 2,400 metres, creating a more comfortable experience for passengers and crew. Boeing claims that just five per cent of passengers on the new aircraft experience discomfort during cabin pressure change, compared with 25 per cent in conventional aircraft on flights of 12 hours or more.
Larger windows
Dreamliner windows are 30 per cent larger than those on most commercial aircraft, with dimensions of 27.2cm x 47.6cm. It means more customers can maintain eye level with the horizon, which helps prevent motion sickness. On a daylight flight there’s more natural light, so your body can cope better with travelling through time zones. In place of the plastic window blinds – often a touchpaper for an argument between the person who raised them to read and those passengers trying to enjoy a snooze – the B787 windows are made from electrochromic glass, which has five stages of tint, ranging from completely dark to fully transparent. While passengers can adjust the level of tint with electronic dimmers, it can also be controlled by the flight attendants.
Greater humidity
Conventional aircraft have dry cabin air to reduce condensation (and corrosion) on the aluminium fuselage parts. The downside of this is dry eyes and nasal passages. But with no aluminium fuselage, the humidity can safely be increased in a B787. When the effect of this is combined with the feeling of space and comfort provided by the larger windows and open architecture, it can help reduce jet lag.
Coloured lighting
Often referred to as “mood lighting”, the B787 has potentially hundreds of combinations. But, in practice, it has pre-determined settings: for take-off, landing, day boardings, evening service and sleep, including different settings for different cabins.
Less noise
The B787 is significantly quieter than predecessors, making it easier to relax and sleep onboard. The aircraft also has a quieter noise “footprint” on the ground below.