787 Chief Pilot Mike Carriker and Captain Randy Neville tested the airplane's systems and structure as on-board equipment recorded and transmitted real-time data to the flight-test team at Boeing Field.

Boeing says that after takeoff from Everett the 787 followed a route over the east end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Captains Carriker and Neville flew the plane to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) and up to an air speed of 180 knots, or about 207 miles (333 kilometers) per hour, typical for a first flight.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the first Boeing 787 will be joined in the flight test program in the coming weeks by five additional 787s, including two that will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines.

Boeing claims that the technologically-advanced 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other conveniences.

Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 787s, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history, says Boeing. However, delays in the program have caused some customers to cancel their orders.

Source - Boeing

Like this on Facebook! Send this story to a friend by clicking that little button that says "Bookmark" on the upper left hand side of the page, then just click "Email." You can also easily Digg, Bookmark (Favorites), add to Facebook or MySpace, or otherwise share this story by clicking that button. Try it today! Follow AeroSpaceNews.com on Twitter! Just visit this link: Your opinion? Discuss this story in our aviation forum. It's free. Please fill out our readership survey if you have not already done so. Please take a moment right now. Click here to fill out the survey. Thank you!