Boeing shows off first assembled 787

Boeing shows off first assembled 787 Boeing displayed its first assembled 787 plane at its plant in Everett, Wash., to a crowd of more than 15,000 people on Sunday.

Boeing's first assembled 787 on display at its Everett, Wash. plant.

   The so-called “Dreamliner” is the first new plane to be launched by Boeing since 1995 when it released the popular 777. The 787 promises to use 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized planes due to its near total construction with carbon-fiber composites.
   So far, Boeing has won 677 orders for the 787, with the most recent order announced on July 7. Air Berlin placed an order for 25 787 Dreamliners valued at $4 billion, the single largest order so far placed by a European carrier.
   According to Reuters, the first assembled 787 will operate as one of six flight-test planes. Two other 787s will be used for “static and fatigue tests.” The first plane for commercial use is scheduled for delivery to All Nippon Airways in May 2008. The Japanese carrier has placed an order for 50 Dreamliners, Reuters reported.