Dreaming of flying further faster

787 Dreamliner under construction at Boeing in Seattle.
photo courtesy of soggydan

Boeing's latest jetliner project is a superefficient 200-to-250-seat jet. Though smaller than the 777s and 747s that make up most of today's intercontinental fleet, the Dreamliner employs new engine and materials technologies that allow it to burn significantly less fuel per passenger and fly farther without refueling. Boeing hopes airlines will use it to open new nonstop links between midsize cities. Its 9,000-plus-mile range would take it from Singapore to Denver without a layover, and those long flights may also be more comfortable. The cabin pressure will be higher (making it feel as if you're 6,000 feet above sea level instead of 8,000), and increased humidity will mitigate the Death Valley dryness of today's air travel.