Boeing Celebrates 15 Years Since 787 Dreamliner Received Type Certification

Boeing is marking an important milestone - 15 years since it received type certification for its 787 Dreamliner. The first commercial flight of the plane took place on October 26, 2011, after months of anticipation. Tyler Savell, who was then a Systems Integration intern at Boeing, recalls the excitement around this time.

'I remember there was a lot of anticipation at that time because we knew it meant we'd soon be able to start delivering those first airplanes,' Savell said. 'Meanwhile, we were already working on what was coming next with the development of the 787-9 and 787-10.'

In the past decade and a half, Boeing has continued to expand and improve the 787, incorporating lessons learned from its growing in-service fleet. The plane's composite airframe design and fuel efficiency set a new benchmark for advanced materials and manufacturing.

The 787 has carried over one billion passengers and helped airlines open more than 540 new nonstop routes that were never previously served. Boeing's ongoing efforts to evolve the plane have included increasing the maximum takeoff weights for the 787-9 and 787-10, providing more payload or range and opening up new opportunities for airlines.

'For me professionally, it's exciting to be leading the team that is helping to hire our own next generation,' Savell said. 'There are teammates joining Boeing today who will help determine what this program looks like another 15 years from now.'