Would you ever refer to an airplane as sexy? You might once you see Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner take flight today. Boeing has set up a Webcast so anyone can enjoy the maiden flight of the Dreamliner. First flight is scheduled for 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET take off from Everett, WA and there will be continual coverage of the Dreamliner’s flight today. Boeing officials say they are expecting a five hour test flight, with a final landing at Seattle’s Boeing Field. Even on a gray day in Everett, people are gathered around anxiously watching the aircraft’s preparation for take off. An eight-week strike by Seattle production workers last year hampered the Dreamliner program and was a factor in Boeing choosing North Charleston, S.C., in October as the site for a second 787 assembly line.
Officials say this 787 Dreamliner version being tested today will be able to fly up to 250 passengers about 9,000 miles, and that a stretch version will be capable of carrying 290 passengers and a short-range model up to 330. Tune in to the Webcast for real-time coverage and more flight details.
Here is a video of the Boeing 787 taking off today in Everett, courtesy of CNBC: