Dreamliner Flight
I have always been a keen aviation enthusiast, which is one of the reasons that I work in this industry. I love aircrafts and like many people probably have a preference of what aircraft type I like to fly on. I love the aircrafts that offer a 2 seating selection as this is ideal when travelling with someone else.
Just over two years ago saw the first commercial services on a brand new aircraft. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service with ANA the Japanese airline. The aircraft was beset with battery problems, but has since gone on to be introduced with a number of global airlines and is proving very popular with passengers, much like the Airbus A380 did when it entered service. This year in 2014 will see the introduction of the Dreamliner's competition, the Airbus A350.
What is special about the Dreamliner
- The aircraft is made of new composite materials, making it lighter and around 20% + more efficient than other aircrafts
- It has new technology engines making the in-flight noise very quiet. You can hardly hear it on take-off, and in-flight it is very quiet - similar to the A380
- The cabin has mood lighting making is easy on the eyes
- The cabin pressure is also set at 6,000 feet due to the new materials, as against 7,500- 8,000 feet for conventional aircrafts. This means you arrive much more relaxed at the end of your flight, without the effects caused by higher altitude.
- The inside also has taller cabin ceilings and deep luggage bins making it feel more spacious
- The windows are now larger and can be dimmed automatically by pressing a sensor button at each window. When dark you can still see outside similar to wearing sunglasses.
I jumped at the opportunity to be one of the first to fly the Dreamliner when it started service in Australia, with Jetstar.
The airline took delivery of its first Dreamliner in October 2013, and operated a few weeks of domestic flights before starting international services.
I booked and flew the new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying on 23 Nov 13 from Melbourne to Cairns and returning on 25 Nov 13. When I booked I took advantage of the very good pricing option to fly at the front of the aircraft on what would be the airlines business class offering, known as Star Class.
On boarding the aircraft you immediately noticed the extra room and the nice colour hues used to illuminate the cabin, with different colours in each cabin.
In the business end the seating was spacious and welcoming and the experience was very comfortable. Just to have the extra space was worthwhile. I did check out the economy cabin and to be honest it looked quite spacious with the new seat designs. The seating was 3 - 3 - 3 and in the business end 2 - 3 - 2.
In flight the level of noise was remarkably lower and at times you almost heard no engine sounds. The use of the new window buttons to dim and brighten the window shades was awesome and made for a very nice feel, plus with the extra-large windows there was no need to crank your head down to see out. It was a perfect joy. With the cabin dimmed it was still possible to have the cabin in a nice dark hue, and at the same time be able to see outside - much like wearing your sun glasses to reduce the glare. Loved it!
If you get a chance to fly on this new aircraft then definitely opt in, you won't regret it.
If you want to book your next trip and fly the Dreamliner then ask me how!
Want to see some great Dreamliner images, then check out my Pinterest Account: