American Airlines Takes First Dreamliner Delivery Since 2021

American Airlines has revealed that it has taken possession of a brand new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, making it the first airline to do so since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) disrupted shipments last year due to manufacturing flaws.

After months of heated negotiations, the FAA approved a maintenance and inspection plan established by Boeing earlier this week. After the delivery embargo was lifted, American Airlines was widely expected to be the first carrier to take delivery of a 787 Dreamliner.

"American received its first Boeing 787-8 aircraft this year and its first since April 2021," the airline announced on Wednesday. "The aircraft, N880BJ, was supplied from Charleston, South Carolina, and is scheduled to join commercial service in the coming weeks."

According to Boeing, none of the concerns elevated instant security concerns. Despite this, the FAA claims that its own inspectors "will investigate each aircraft before issuing an airworthiness certificate."

Other major 787 operators, in addition to ANA, include American, Etihad, United, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Air Canada. Among the carriers still waiting for their first Dreamliner, Lufthansa has 32 on order and Emirates has 30.

The twin-aisle 787 was established in response to industry standards for more fuel-efficient, larger commercial jets to replace the aging 767. The Dreamliners are available in three configurations: the original 787-8, which seats 242 passengers, a stretched -9 version that seats 290 passengers; and the longer -10 that can seat up to 330 passengers.

The resumption of Dreamliner deliveries would help Boeing's ailing balance sheet. The 120 planes that have already been built and are anticipating final FAA inspections are said to be worth around $20 billion to the company.

Boeing is back on track with the Dreamliner.

The hypothesis that the manufacturer will reinstate deliveries has risen in recent weeks after three aircraft for American Airlines and one for British Airways were seen taking quick test flights, a critical pre-delivery necessity. The resumption of deliveries was announced earlier this week, with American Airlines being the first to take delivery of a newly certified plane.

The 787-8 Dreamliner was delivered to American Airlines. The twin-engine widebody variant can carry 234 passengers for up to 7,305 nautical miles (13,530 km). American Airlines currently operates 25 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, including the one delivered today. The Oneworld Alliance member also operates 22 Boeing 787-9s. The 787-8 stretched version can fly 285 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km) and carry more cargo, allowing airlines to enlarge on routes made possible by the 787-8. Boeing anticipates 42 additional Boeing 787 family aircraft deliveries.

The 787 family was the most widely used widebody during the pandemic, and it is still one of the fastest twin-aisle planes today, trying to reach speeds of Mach 0.85. Passengers on the aircraft gain from enhancements such as the largest windows available. Simultaneously, airlines may benefit from increased cargo revenue capacity and aircraft that are up to 20% more fuel efficient than the planes they replace. When Simple Flying reached out to Boeing this afternoon, a spokesperson verified that deliveries had been reinstated:

"After extensive engineering assessment, confirmation, and remodel to guarantee all airplanes meet Boeing's precise performance requirements and regulatory standards, we have continued 787 deliveries."

We persist in sustaining open dialogue with our regulators, customers, and suppliers to assure that we continue to deliver planes that satisfy all regulatory obligations as well as Boeing's highest quality standards."

Article Reference: Economic Times