The first in a new fleet of Qantas planes, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flew into Sydney yesterday, promising to deliver greater comfort for both domestic and international travellers.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said 50 Dreamliners, which will be powered by GE’s highly fuel-efficient GEnx engines, are on firm order, with Jetstar to receive the first of the B787’s in mid-2013.
“The B787 is a game-changer. It offers greater fuel-efficiency, lower operating costs and a better customer experience than current aircraft of similar size.”
Joyce said the aircraft has the flexibility to serve the low-fare and premium markets, across Qantas and Jetstar,
“Its operational and commercial advantages make it the right fit for the Qantas Group’s strategy to serve global gateways, target growth regions and invest capital productively,” Joyce added.
According to the Australian Business Traveller, Boeing has introduced new technologies into the aircraft, designed to improve the experience for travellers and lessen the fatigue associated with air travel.
One such feature is setting the cabin pressure at 6,000 feet instead of the usual 7,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level, which the company said will put an end to many in-flight ills including headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and nausea.
Another is the Dreamliner’s higher level of humidity, which reduces complaints of throat and eye irritation, headaches and dizziness caused by dry air conditions. Boeing also said this feature can cut down on port-flight colds, as the circulated air is cleaner thanks to a two-stage filtration system that removes molecules from the air.
