Boeing assembles first 787 plane (BBC) {20% fuel savings from lightweight composites}

[eppur_se_muova]

Boeing has started final assembly of its first 787 Dreamliner jet.

The plane is coming to life at Boeing's main US production facility near Seattle, Washington from parts first made as far away as Italy and Japan.

Boeing now plans to carry out the first test flights in August before initial deliveries to airlines in May 2008.

The medium-sized 787 is Boeing's first all-new commercial plane in more than 10 years, and has so far attracted 568 orders from 44 airlines.

Its success - so far at least - is in marked contrast to the problems at European rival Airbus over its A380 superjumbo.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6680635.stm

[greenman3610]

1. former Boing chairman, Allen Mulally, who shepherded this design change

is now at Ford.

I can't prove it, but to the extent that "personel is policy",
I suspect that we may find that Ford, and hopefully, other
auto makers, are looking at ultra light design and
manufacturing techniques for the next generation of
autos.

[godai]

2. Airbus A380 has been flying for several months already

There was a huge wiring problem, caused by using different software in Germany and France, but that has been resolved. No doubt, Airbus has been hurt by the A380 delays, but the plane is unique, 2 full decks. Too big? Only time will tell.

The 787 can carry only up to 330 passengers, a very different approach to future travel than the A380 (Up to 550 or more passengers). Two 747s now leave NY just 10 minutes apart, both flying to Tokyo. Wouldn't one A380 make more sense?

[phantom power]

3. In a future where fewer people fly, the 787 might have the edge.

Hard to say. Once peak-fossil really sinks it's teeth in, there may be so few people flying that it won't matter.