British Airways has commenced services with the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The first route it operated was London to Toronto, which began service on 1st September. The next route will be London to Newark, commencing on 1st October.
Cabin noise on the B787 is much less than on older aircraft types. Different pressurisation means the internal cabin altitude is the equivalent of 6,000 feet, which is 2,000 feet lower than on other aircraft. This leads to greater humidity, reducing the drying effect of the cabin air, so customers arrive feeling more refreshed. The aircraft’s smooth ride technology also provides extra comfort during any turbulence.
The bespoke lighting in every cabin can be set to reflect the time of day, helping to lull travellers to sleep at night and to wake them in the morning. Customers can also enjoy much larger windows, offering views of the horizon from every seat.
Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of IAG, said: “The 787 is a tremendous, innovative aircraft that sets new standards for environmental performance and operating efficiency and I am sure British Airways customers will love it.
“The 787 will become a mainstay of the British Airways fleet over the next few years. This is the first of 24 that will arrive by 2017, and we have announced plans to convert further options for the aircraft into firm orders for delivery from 2017, including for the new larger 787-10 version.”
British Airways has ordered 24 B787s, which will arrive over the next four years. The airline has also ordered 12 A380s and six additional B777-300ERs. Over the next 12 months, the airline will take delivery of a new aircraft at the rate of one a fortnight.
The aircraft orders form the centrepiece of British Airways’ £5 billion investment in improved customer experience in the air and on the ground. The airline is the first in Europe to operate both the B787 and the A380.
