787 Dreamliner's First Delivery Launches Legacy of Innovation
The first delivery of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on September 26, 2011, marked the beginning of a legacy that has far exceeded expectations. Mike Sinnett, the 787 chief project engineer at the time and now BCA's vice president and general manager of Product Development, said the event was 'truly an emotional experience.'
The 787 program had been years in the making, with over 500 employees working tirelessly to bring the all-new widebody aircraft to life. The team handed a ceremonial key to then-ANA President and CEO Shinichiro Ito, marking the occasion.
Fast forward 15 years, the 787's impact has been profound. More than 1,300 airplanes have been delivered to the global fleet, making it the fastest widebody program in history. The jet has enabled over 550 new nonstop routes between previously unserved city pairs and carried more than 1 billion passengers to over 85 countries.
The aircraft's performance has also proven its value, giving airlines the ability to launch new routes, serve short-haul markets, and fly long-haul missions. Mike Fleming, vice president of 787 customer services and support in 2011, said the jet has become 'the workhorse for many of our customers' fleets.'