After what has been really long period of time, there appears a ray of hope for Boeing in the form of the much awaited Dreamliner. The 'Dreamliner' on which the Boeing Corp. has in a way bet on for the future, has been plagued with difficulties right from inception. First there were what can be called seemingly trivial matters like lack of availability of spares, to the problems faced in integrating the parts being manufactured across the plate. Well this brings us back to the point that most problems encountered by modern day businesses trace their origins to something considered very trivial. While the importance of sourcing raw materials (on time) and other procurement related issues is drilled into the minds of young managers all too often, but still we find the biggies of the world making those very mistakes.
Anyway, on the bright side, things being normal, the first passengers of All Nippon may step onto the 'Dreamliner' in around 9 months. But then the operative phrase here is things being normal. While everyone is pretty gung ho with the test flights starting, let's not forget that this is a project which is already running late by more than 2 years. Other than the difficulties being mentioned above there have been some technical glitches as well, like the excess stress on the fuselage at the point where the wings meet the fuselage. While Boeing has faced some flak over these issues, it would be only logical to say that such minor setbacks are to be expected while embarking on a project which makes such a huge leap in terms of 'innovation'.
While everyone has been quick to point out the innovative attributes of the 'Dreamliner', be it the composite structure or the aircraft or the innovative design of the engine blades, but what has not been so prominent is what benefit does these translate into for the customers , the airlines, and more importantly the end customer, the travellers.
Well a composite structure obviously helps to reduce the weight of the aircraft which would eventually result in lower weight of the craft and ultimately savings for the airlines with less fuel being consumed. Another major advantage with composite frames actually arises from absence of aluminum. Humidity levels in flights were kept down earlier because with higher humidity aluminum tends to corrode, so in this respect the 'Dreamliner' promises better experience for future travellers. Also the 'Dreamliner' will allow higher pressurization for flights resulting in more comfortable flight for long duration flights.
But what will really bring smiles to the faces of Airlines executives is the lower noise levels of the aircrafts. This will result in lesser opposition from neighborhoods close to airports and possible result in wider operating hours for airlines. While this issue may not be all that prominent in developing world cities, this is actually a very major concern in developed countries.
And yes, this definitely results in a more comfortable flights for travellers. And yes, there are other passenger amenities like the much talked about LED lighting, wider and longer windows, and electronically operated shades.
So while the benefits are plenty, what remains to be seen is whether there would be any other complications in the nine month long test flight schedule, and will Boeing be able to deliver the aircraft on time this time.
An interesting take on the same at http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2009/12/is_boeings_787_dreamliner_a_tr.html
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Gracious thanks to my batchmate - Amit Tyagi for his inputs! :)
Also, Mr. Dinesh Keskar - President Boeing India for his address at FMS - Annual Convention
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