Today the press are going nuts over ANA taking out their first Boeing 787 for a spin with almost paying customers on board today.
ANA’s first 787 Charter flight – Picture – ANA – http://twitpic.com/75vmz3
The 787 flying as NH7871, did a trip from Tokyo Narita to Hong Kong International, with 240 passengers made up of:
- 82 of them also from the media
- 100 of them from packaged tours
- 6 in business class who were successful bidders of a charity auction held by ANA.
- The others were people from ANA and Boeing
The plane completed it’s maiden paying flight at 15:50 Hong Kong time.
The BBC and Wall Street Journal have more coverage, as has Business Traveller
Now some of you may wonder whilst I’m still very “meh” over the 787. So lets not beat about the bush. It’s Entry Into Service is 3 years late (A record they share with Airbus over the A380). However whilst the cabin may look new – its still a 767 on steroids. Maybe my mind will change when I’ve stepped aboard one, but for now, I’m just unimpressed.
Maybe I’ll be more impressed when more of them are flying, and when they can keep up with an intense daily schedule…