Boeing Tests Fuel-Saving Tech on Lufthansa 787 Dreamliner
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner built for Lufthansa underwent experimental testing in Montana before its delivery to the German flag-carrier.
The aircraft, equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, was used as a flying test bed for fuel-saving and noise-reduction technologies over several weeks during the summer.
Boeing worked closely with Lufthansa and Rolls-Royce on two main innovations: a next-generation inlet designed to reduce weight and drag while maintaining or improving noise performance, and modified departure and arrival procedures that use algorithmic routes to cut fuel burn and community noise around airports.
The tests took place at Boeing's facility in Glasgow, Montana, with engineers from Rolls-Royce providing additional support and oversight.