SEATTLE July 8, 2007 (07.08.07) - In a lavish ceremony at Boeing’s factory in Everett, near Seattle, Washington State, the 787 Dreamliner was unveiled to the world for the very first time. The ceremony took place at 15:30 in front of 15,000 assembled guests, and was simultaneously broadcast to 50,000 Boeing employees at a different site in Seattle, and by satellite around the world in ten languages.

ANA (All Nippon Airways) of Japan launched the 787 programme with Boeing on April 26, 2004, with an order for 787s - 30 787-3 derivatives and 20 787-8s - the largest launch order in the history of the aircraft maker. Since that time, 677 orders have been placed by 47 airlines - prior to anyone even seeing it.

The rolled out aircraft was in Boeing livery and included the ANA logo.

Mineo Yamamoto, President & CEO of ANA, said of the great honour, “I am truly proud and moved to know that this epoch-making aircraft will be delivered first to ANA and the people of Japan.

I am also extremely humbled to think that our faith in Boeing’s dream was the impetus for the run-away best-selling new aircraft in history.

In ANA’s corporate philosophy, it is our mission to offer dreams to people around the world. So it is rather poetic that from May next year the 787 Dreamliner - with its blend of new technology and mindfulness of the needs of people and the natural environment - will be how we do that.”

The 787 is the world’s first truly 21^st century aircraft and includes technological innovations that were previously unachievable. 50% of the aircraft by weight is composed of composite materials. This brings significant weight savings, which, coupled with new engines, means the 787 will be 20% more economical than other aircraft of a similar size. Less fuel burn also signifies fewer emissions, making the 787 the best aircraft for the environment.

For the customer, the extensive use of composite materials - essentially the entire fuselage - has enabled Boeing to incorporate new environmental control systems, simulating conditions closer to those on the ground, with higher pressure and humidity than other aircraft. The passenger experience will be thus more comfortable. Bigger windows and other new architectural features will add to the sense of well-being.

The delivery of the first aircraft - a 787-8 - to ANA is scheduled for May 2008, and it will enter service shortly afterwards. ANA is planning to fly its first 787on routes to China, in time for the Beijing Olympics.

Of the delivery, Mr Yamamoto told Boeing at the ceremony, “We promise to be ready and waiting.”