787 8 cockpit tour

Simple Flying

The boeing 787-8 at american airlines: a complete guide.

American Airlines has 37 Boeing 787-8s in its fleet.

• American Airlines acclimatized cabin crew before using the new Boeing 787-8 on international routes.
• American Airlines' inaugural Boeing 787-8 flight passengers received swag bags.
• American Airlines operates 37 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with an average age of 5.9 years.

American Airlines, the world's largest airline by fleet size, took delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on January 23, 2015. Before using its new Boeing widebodies on their intended international routes, American Airlines said it would use the new aircraft on domestic routes to help acclimatize cabin crew. American Airlines first Boeing 787-8 flight took place on May 7, 2015, when it flew between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

Unusually, the aircraft that performed the inaugural flight was not the first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to be delivered to American Airlines, but the second. Despite American Airlines flight number AA 2320 being slotted for an early morning departure from Dallas, excited passengers began arriving at the airport at 05:00 for the 07:20 departure.

When it came time to board, true to tradition, American Airlines handed each passenger a swag bag with an inaugural Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight card, a memorial coin, earbuds, and a mobile phone charger. As the aircraft pushed back from the gate for the 2hr 20 min flight to the Windy City, the aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute.

About the Boeing 787-Dreamliner

In the late 1990s, Boeing noticed that sales of its existing 767s and 747s were slowing down and started work on designing two new aircraft. The first was a stretched version of the Boeing 747-400, and the second was a plane called "Sonic Cruise" that could fly at Mach 0.98 with the same fuel burn as an existing Boeing 767. While the larger jumbo jet did not excite airlines, several were interested in the Sonic Cruise.

The aviation industry encountered a massive slowdown following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when Al-Qaeda carried out four coordinated Islamist suicide terrorist attacks against the United States. On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners that were to fly from the East Coast to California.

Two of the aircraft deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, with the next two aircraft targeting the nation's capital, Washington DC. One of the aircraft successfully crashed into the Pentagon, while the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania following a passenger revolt. In total, 2,977 people died in the attacks, making it the deadliest terror attack in history.

Airlines became more interested in efficiency

As you can imagine, people were afraid to fly, and with passenger numbers dwindling, the last thing on an airline's mind was ordering new aircraft. The attacks prompted a response from the United States military, which increased oil prices and had airlines prioritizing efficiency over speed. In response, Boeing canceled its Sonic Cruise project and started working on a new midsize twinjet incorporating the latest technology. At the time, hub and spoke networks were the norm, but after several focus groups, Boeing decided to build a plane better suited for point-to-point operations.

Initially called the 7E7, the plane received its first orders in the spring of 2004 from Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA), who asked for 50 aircraft. In the summer of 2007, the first Boeing 787 rolled out of Boeing's Everett, Washington plant on July 8, 2007. At the time of the rollout, Boeing had received 677 orders for the new aircraft, more than any previous widebody.

After numerous delays and airlines asking Boeing for compensation, the Boeing 787-8 finally made its maiden flight on December 5, 2009, from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, landing at King County International Airport (BFI) in Seattle three hours after taking off.

On August 26, 2011, at a ceremony in Everett, Washington, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner received its Federal Aviation (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. The following month, All Nippon Airways (ANA) took delivery of its first Boeing 787. They flew it commercially from Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) for the first time on October 6, 2011.

American Airlines received its first Boeing 787-8 in January 2015

When American Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (N800AN) at a ceremony held in Boeing's Everett factory on January 23, 2015, they had big plans for the plane. At the time of the delivery, American Airlines had placed 42 firm orders for the Boeing 787-8 and the larger 787-9 with the right to acquire an additional 58 aircraft.

When speaking about the plane in an American Airlines company statement, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Ray Conner, said:

"We're proud that American Airlines has chosen the 787 to be a key part of its fleet renewal plan." Adding "We appreciate American's confidence in the airplane and know the Dreamliner will open exciting new routes for American's customers."

American Airlines Passes ANA As The World's Largest Boeing 787-8 Operator

When replying to the Boeing president's comments, American Airlines chairman and CEO Doug Parker said:

"We are committed to delivering a fantastic product for our customers with the continuation of our unprecedented fleet renewal program and more than $2 billion in improvements in the customer experience." Adding, "The 787 makes our fleet younger and more modern and it will open up new possibilities to connect our customers to the places they want to fly."

According to the aviation data and statistics website, ch-aviation American Airlines operates a fleet of 37 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with an average age of 5.9 years. On its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, American Airlines offers four classes of service, which are:

• Flagship® Business
• Premium Economy
• Main Cabin Extra

On its Boeing 787-8s, American Airlines has 20 lay-flat business class seats spread across five rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. In premium economy, 28 Rockwell Collins MiQ seats are spread across four rows in a 2-3-2 configuration. In its main cabin extra, American Airlines has 48 Rockwell Collins Aspire seats spread across two cabins in a 3-3-3 configuration except row 19, which is arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The main cabin has 138 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, except rows 30 and 31, configured as 2-3-2.

787 Dreamliner By Design

Discover what goes into creating the industry-leading technology of the 787 Dreamliner family.

The 787 Dreamliner Family

The most innovative and efficient airplane family flying today

• Comfort and convenience for passengers
• Profitability and flexibility for airlines
• Exceptional environmental performance for everyone

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings those far-reaching places a little closer to home.

In response to airline input, Boeing designed the 787 family with superior efficiency and versatility, which allows airlines to profitably open new routes and fly people directly where they want to go, when they want to go in exceptional comfort.

Exceptional Passenger Experience

Boeing created a better flying experience with its 787 Dreamliner family by combining its unique understanding of how the human body reacts to flight conditions and how emerging technologies can improve those conditions

• Spacious cabin

The 787 Dreamliner cabin architecture creates a strong sense of spaciousness with its broad, welcoming entryway, large windows and vaulted ceiling. The 787 cabin is wider than that of the airplanes it replaces, so passengers enjoy more personal space, both physically and visually.

• Better lighting

Modern, adjustable LED lighting provides more lighting choices to create a relaxing environment.

• Largest windows in the sky

The 787 Dreamliner has the largest windows of any commercial jet, offering passengers seated anywhere in the airplane a commanding view of the horizon. The windows also dim at the touch of a button, allowing passengers to look outside when they wish and still maintain a dimmed cabin when appropriate.

• Improved cabin environment

Enhancements in cabin altitude, humidity and air quality on the 787 Dreamliner offer an optimal solution that allows passengers to arrive feeling more refreshed.

• Smoother Ride Technology

Sensors on the 787 Dreamliner are designed to counter the effects of turbulence by causing certain control surfaces to change slightly. This innovative system helps maintain a smoother ride throughout the flight.

• Large overhead bins

The overhead bins on the 787 Dreamliner are the largest in the industry. Boeing designed the 787 bins around the variety of roll-aboard bags that passengers typically carry. As a result, the bins are large enough that every passenger has room to stow a bag above.

State of the Art Flight Deck

The 787 Dreamliner features a state-of-the-art flight deck that balances commonality with the latest enhancements. New technologies are integrated while still maintaining a significant amount of commonality with other Boeing airplanes, particularly the 777. Familiar Boeing controls, displays and procedures all support shorter transition periods to the 787 from other Boeing family members, enabling efficient Mixed Fleet Flying.

Calmer Cabin

Noise quality in the cabin is an important part of any flight. A holistic approach to cabin noise quality, utilizing innovative solutions throughout the airplane, addresses the cause of noise and vibrations and provides passengers with a calmer experience.

• Quieter for Communities
• Designed and built sustainably

The quiet design of the 787 Dreamliner ensures sounds of 85 decibels or higher (slightly louder than a busy street) never leave airport boundaries. In fact, the noise footprint of the 787 is up to 60 percent smaller than the airplane it replaces.

A report issued by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority determined the 787 is significantly quieter than the airplanes it replaces.

The 787 Dreamliner is designed and built with a sustainable product life in mind. The 787 is built in Boeing South Carolina at a net-zero emissions manufacturing facility. The primarily composite structure, advanced aerodynamics, and efficient engines of the 787 enable it to have 25% lower fuel use and emissions than previous generation airplanes. At the end of the airplane's service life, a portion of the materials used to build the 787 can be recycled. Boeing continues to research further recycling opportunities and composites.  

Broad Market Coverage that Opens New Markets

The 787 Dreamliner family has received over 1,900 orders from more than 80 customers on six continents—Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

The unparalleled fuel efficiency and range flexibility of the 787 helps airlines optimize their fleets and networks while opening new nonstop routes. The 787 has launched about 400 new direct routes since entering service.

The 787 Dreamliner Family Offers Longer Range Capability

• Buenos Aires
• Los Angeles

227,950-kg (502,500-lb) MTOW 248 two-class passengers

254,700-kg (561,500-lb) MTOW 296 two-class passengers

254,000-kg (560,000-lb) MTOW 336 two-class passengers

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from Buenos Aires

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from Dubai

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from London

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from New York

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from Seattle

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from Hong Kong

254,000-kg (560,000-lb) MTOW 296 two-class passengers

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from Tokyo

Standard rules Airways and traffic allowances included 50% annual winds Range Capability from Los Angeles

Dreamlifter Route Structure

The Dreamlifter is a unique tool developed by Boeing with Evergreen.

This family of four specially modified 747s transports some of the large 787 fuselage sections and other structures from our partners’ locations around the world to our final assembly site in North Charleston, SC.

South Carolina

Section 41 from Wichita, KS to North Charleston, SC

Horizontal Stabilizer from Foggia, Italy to North Charleston, SC

Section 44 from Grottaglie, Italy to North Charleston, SC

Wing Box from Nagoya, Japan to North Charleston, SC

Section 11/45 from Nagoya, Japan to North Charleston, SC

Section 43 from Nagoya, Japan to North Charleston, SC

All model performance summary

About this tour

The latest Boeing widebody aircraft travel the globe in the 787.

This is a tour of 25,431 nm (47,099 km) divided into thirteen legs.

To complete this tour, you will need to fly at least one route of each of the legs listed below. You will need to fly all legs using one of the aircraft types listed below. The type can differ between the different legs, as long as each individual route is flown using one of the aircraft types listed below.

All legs need to be flown using one of the following aircraft types :

• Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (B788/788)
• Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (B78X/781)
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B789/789)

Leg 1: OTHH-EGLL

This is a leg of 2,834 nm (5,248 km) from Hamad International Airport (DOH/OTHH) (Hub) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) (Hub) .

Eligible routes

Choose any one of the routes below. Please take into account the conditions listed at the top of this page.

Leg 2: EGLL-KPHL

This is a leg of 3,076 nm (5,697 km) from London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) (Hub) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL/KPHL) (Hub) .

Leg 3: KPHL-KCLT

This is a leg of 390 nm (723 km) from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL/KPHL) (Hub) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT/KCLT) (Hub) .

Leg 4: KCLT-MMUN

This is a leg of 908 nm (1,682 km) from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT/KCLT) (Hub) to Cancún International Airport (CUN/MMUN) .

Leg 5: MMUN-KDFW

This is a leg of 896 nm (1,660 km) from Cancún International Airport (CUN/MMUN) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW/KDFW) (Hub) .

Leg 6: KDFW-KLAX

This is a leg of 1,072 nm (1,986 km) from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW/KDFW) (Hub) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) (Hub) .

Leg 7: KLAX-RJTT

This is a leg of 4,764 nm (8,823 km) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) (Hub) to Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND/RJTT) (Hub) .

Leg 8: RJTT-RJOO

This is a leg of 219 nm (405 km) from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND/RJTT) (Hub) to Osaka International Airport (ITM/RJOO) (Hub) .

Leg 9: RJOO-RJAA

This is a leg of 250 nm (463 km) from Osaka International Airport (ITM/RJOO) (Hub) to Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA) (Hub) .

Leg 10: RJAA-YBCG

This is a leg of 3,914 nm (7,249 km) from Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA) (Hub) to Gold Coast Airport (OOL/YBCG) .

Leg 11: YBCG-YSSY

This is a leg of 368 nm (681 km) from Gold Coast Airport (OOL/YBCG) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD/YSSY) (Hub) .

Leg 12: YSSY-WADD

This is a leg of 2,499 nm (4,628 km) from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD/YSSY) (Hub) to Ngurah Rai (Bali) International Airport (DPS/WADD) .

Leg 13: WADD-OTHH

This is a leg of 4,241 nm (7,854 km) from Ngurah Rai (Bali) International Airport (DPS/WADD) to Hamad International Airport (DOH/OTHH) (Hub) .

About this tour

A game-changer for long haul routes, fly the distance in 787 family of aircraft. Updated for 2020

This is a tour of 35,337 nm (65,445 km) divided into twelve legs.

To complete this tour, you will need to fly at least one route of each of the legs listed below. You will need to fly all legs using one of the aircraft types listed below. The type can differ between the different legs, as long as each individual route is flown using one of the aircraft types listed below.

You will need to fly all legs of this tours between 1 Jan 1990 00:00 and 31 May 2022 23:59 . Your last leg should have been submitted no later than 31 May 2022 23:59:00 UTC .

All legs need to be flown using one of the following aircraft types :

• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B789/789)
• Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (B788/788)
• Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (B78X/781)

Leg 1: KJFK-MMMX

This is a leg of 1,820 nm (3,370 km) from John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK) (Hub) to Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX/MMMX) (Hub) .

Eligible routes

We are not aware of any eligible routes. Please create a support ticket to notify us, so we can resolve this issue. Please note that there may still be eligible routes, which could be found by searching on our routes page .

Leg 2: MMMX-SCEL

This is a leg of 3,566 nm (6,604 km) from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX/MMMX) (Hub) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL/SCEL) (Hub) .

Leg 3: SCEL-SAEZ

This is a leg of 616 nm (1,140 km) from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL/SCEL) (Hub) to Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE/SAEZ) (Hub) .

Choose any one of the routes below. Please take into account the conditions listed at the top of this page.

Leg 4: SAEZ-EHAM

This is a leg of 6,197 nm (11,476 km) from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE/SAEZ) (Hub) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS/EHAM) (Hub) .

Leg 5: EHAM-CYYZ

This is a leg of 3,238 nm (5,997 km) from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS/EHAM) (Hub) to Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ) (Hub) .

Leg 6: CYYZ-CYYC

This is a leg of 1,454 nm (2,693 km) from Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ) (Hub) to Calgary International Airport (YYC/CYYC) (Hub) .

Leg 7: CYYC-LFPG

This is a leg of 3,980 nm (7,371 km) from Calgary International Airport (YYC/CYYC) (Hub) to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG/LFPG) (Hub) .

Leg 8: LFPG-HKJK

This is a leg of 3,511 nm (6,503 km) from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG/LFPG) (Hub) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK) (Hub) .

Leg 9: HKJK-FAOR

This is a leg of 1,575 nm (2,916 km) from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK) (Hub) to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB/FAOR) .

Leg 10: FAOR-OMAA

This is a leg of 3,405 nm (6,306 km) from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB/FAOR) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH/OMAA) (Hub) .

Leg 11: OMAA-EGLL

This is a leg of 2,982 nm (5,523 km) from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH/OMAA) (Hub) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) (Hub) .

Leg 12: EGLL-KJFK

This is a leg of 2,995 nm (5,546 km) from London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) (Hub) to John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK) (Hub) .

A Tour of American Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Since taking delivery of its first Boeing 787 in January 2015, American Airlines has added to its fleet almost one Dreamliner per month. It's scheduled to bring another eight into its fleet in 2018-2019 before starting to take deliveries of a new order of 47 aircraft . In total, American Airlines will have 89 Dreamliners (42 of the smaller 787-8 model and 47 of the larger 787-9)

While the experience in economy is going to be practically the same between the 787-8 and 787-9, there are some noteworthy differences that make that last digit important for premium cabins. If you booked or are looking to book a 787-9, which is often considered better for business class passengers, you might be curious what to expect. So, let's take a look around inside one of those American Airlines Boeing 787-9s.

For reference, the aircraft was stocked for a flight to Seoul, South Korea (ICN).

Flagship Business

While there's a couple of passengers I know that prefer the business class seats on the 787-8, the Zodiac "Concept D" seating is generally disliked for the narrow and unstable seats — landing it #7 on TPG's ranking of the best American Airlines premium seats . However, on the 787-9, there are excellent B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seats installed in the business class cabin (which was #2 in those same rankings). And while you can find these same seats on select 777-200 aircraft, I prefer the window seats on the 787-9 thanks to the large electronically-dimmable Dreamliner windows.

The 787-9 business class consists of one large cabin arranged in eight rows of reverse-herringbone 1-2-1 seating. There are no middle seats in row 8, meaning there are 30 business class seats on the aircraft.

The aisle-side armrest can adjust upward and downward. This bulky-looking armrest can be opened to provide a storage area. In addition to this storage area, there are two compartments on the other side of the seat. The further-back one can be latched and is rated for storage during taxi, takeoff and landing. The forward compartment technically isn't supposed to be used for storage during the critical phases of flight.

Between having all forward-facing seats and strategically designed seat shells, these seats provide a good sense of privacy. However, when walking around the cabin, you can easily see over these seat shells.

There's a couple of downsides to this otherwise excellent hard product. First, American Airlines opted not to install the optional privacy divider between the middle seats. That must have been a very expensive option, as I can't see any reason not to allow passengers to have it. Also, my wife Katie isn't a fan of the storage position of the tray table on these seats, as she bumps into it when sleeping on her side.

For more about the in-flight experience, read the full review of this cabin on a flight from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to São Paulo, Brazil (GRU).

Premium Economy

The delivery of American Airlines' first 787-9 meant the debut of Premium Economy on the world's largest airline. As of March 11, the airline had 69 aircraft with the new product — including all 15 of its 787-9, all 15 of the Airbus A330-200s, 35 of its 777-200s and now four of its 777-300ER aircraft. The seats on all of those aircraft are virtually the same.

On the 787-9, there are 21 seats installed in a 2-3-2 arrangement.

Some passengers prefer the bulkhead seats, as they have a retractable leg rest and plenty of legroom. The downside is that the in-flight entertainment for these seats is on retractable arms and must be stored for taxi, takeoff and landing.

The non-bulkhead seats have a footrest instead of the legrest. I find the recline on all of the premium economy seats to be just enough to sleep comfortably.

In the seatback, there's a pocket for literature such as the airline magazines and the safety card. There's also a coat/purse hook. Below that, there's a mesh seatback pocket. While you might be able to store a tablet in the seatback, I've found neither storage area is large enough to hold even a small laptop.

While they surely give you more space than in economy, these aren't the most spacious seats. The space between them is 38 inches, and your workspace shrinks noticeably when the passenger in front of your reclines.

The premium economy seats have 11.5-inch in-flight entertainment screens installed. While bright and crisp from the seat, these screens are designed to fade when looking at an angle, providing a bit of privacy and reducing light pollution in the cabin.

While those aren't the best premium economy seats you'll find in the skies, the airline looks to make up for this with solid soft product. On international flights, each seat is stocked with a basic, but stylish amenity kit, Casper-branded pillow and Casper-branded blanket . On flights to Asia, Casper-branded slippers are also provided.

Stay tuned for a full review of American Airlines premium economy on an international flight. Here's my take from the first time flying this product when it launched in October 2016 on domestic routes.

Main Cabin Extra

Main Cabin Extra is American Airlines' designation for extra-legroom seats in the economy cabin . In addition to seats at bulkheads and emergency exit rows, most economy cabins on AA internationally-configured aircraft include a section of extra-legroom seats. These seats are complimentary for American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elites. AA Gold elites get 50% off the standard price until check-in, when they too can select these seats for no charge.

On the 787-9, American Airlines has 36 Main Cabin Extra seats — 12 at bulkheads, 6 at emergency exit rows and 18 standard seats in a 3-3-3 arrangement. The bulkhead seats provide plenty of knee room, but limits your ability to stretch out your legs. The first row of economy (row 12) have bassinet holders at both the window and middle sections.

The emergency exit window seats on some aircraft can have restricted legroom due to the protruding slide. That's not much of an issue on the 787-9. However, there isn't much of a view from these seats either.

At each of the bulkhead and emergency exit row seats, the in-flight entertainment screens are on retractable arms and must be stored for taxi, takeoff and landing.

The standard Main Cabin Extra seats are installed with 35 inches of pitch but are otherwise identical to standard economy seats. There are no additional service elements either. However, American Airlines is planning to add free beer, wine and liquor for these seats on all routes soon.

AA's 787-9 has 200 standard economy "Main Cabin" seats. These seats are installed with 31 inches of pitch. As is now the de facto standard on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the economy cabin is arranged with 3-3-3 seating. (Only a few airlines opted for the Boeing-recommended 2-4-2 seating ). This arrangement necessitates a rather narrow 17-inch seat.

Thankfully, there's plenty of overhead space. So, you shouldn't have to worry about having to gate-check your carry-on bag.

Unlike other aircraft that American Airlines flies internationally, AA installs bright in-flight entertainment screens with plenty of content on its 787-9. There's also a universal power plug installed at each seat.

Unlike on some planes which narrow in the back and thus have fewer seats installed, the 787-9 has 3-3-3 seating throughout. If you get stuck in the back, the good news is that even the seats in the last row of economy can recline fully.

And if you're going to recline to sleep, these seats have an under-appreciated feature: adjustable headrests. The headrest has adjustable wings to help support your head in place while you sleep.

Overall Impression

The American Airlines 787-9 is one of the better options in the airline's international fleet. The economy seats are a bit narrow, but it's no worse than the width on AA's retrofit 10-wide 777s . And, having power and in-flight entertainment screen makes the 787 a better option than AA's internationally-operated 757s and 767s.

The premium economy section provides a solid improvement from economy, giving extra legroom, seat width and soft product elements that can justify the ~$200 each way premium for some passengers.

Up front, this is one of my favorite business class cabins in the fleet. The cabin is large — but not massive — and separated from the premium economy by a galley, giving it a more exclusive feel. Combining that with one of the best business class seats in the AA fleet, it's worth seeking out this aircraft when possible.

This article has been updated to reflect American Airlines' order of 47 new Dreamliner aircraft .

BBJ 737 Max

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BBJ 787 Family

Elevating the standard for VIP widebodies

Maximum range.

Nonstop to nearly every destination.

Low Cabin Altitude

Arrive refreshed with reduced fatigue.

More Fuel Efficient

Than direct competitors.

The most preferred passenger experience

Make flying the best part of your trip. explore why the bbj 787 dreamliner brings you the best-in-class experience in business aviation..

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Cross Section

Widest, tallest cabins in its class. Allows for completely private rooms while maintaining accessibility to the rest of the cabin.

Better air quality

Improved cabin humidity and temperature control.

Smooth Ride Technology

Sensors detect turbulence and automatically actuate flight control surfaces to counter the effects of air disturbances.

Low Cabin Altitude System

This bizliner-unique system increases the ambient pressure and air density onboard, reducing the cabin altitude to 6,000 ft at the BBJ 787 Dreamliner’s maximum cruise altitude.

Window Technology

The electronically dimmable windows can be individually or collectively controlled, eliminating the need for supplemental window treatment.

The BBJ 787 Dreamliner’s clean sheet design makes it the most advanced business jetliner.

Bbj 787 dreamliner connects the world.

Explore where the BBJ 787 Dreamliner can take you.

Mission Assumptions: 25 Pax. 50% annual winds (limiting direction). Nominal fuel consumption. 91 kg per passenger. 3% airways allowance. NBAA-IFR mission rules. 200 nmi alternate airport.

Cutting-edge Technology

Built from a clean sheet design, the bbj 787 dreamliner is the blueprint for the latest technological advances in aviation. explore the advancements that boeing is bringing to business aviation., composite is key. the innovative bbj 787 dreamliner composite structure makes the airplane more efficient..

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Photos featured on this page are courtesy of the following partners (listed in order): Jet Aviation, Andrew Winch Designs, Greenpoint Technologies, Pierrejean Design Studio, Kestral Aviation Management, Edése Doret Industrial Design, Inc, Associated Air Center.

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In-flight amenities

A variety of music selections may be accessed on seat back monitors or through streaming to personal portable devices.

A variety of film, television program, and video game selections may be accessed through seat back monitors or through streaming to personal portable devices.

All seats in all classes on this aircraft feature access to regular AC power outlets.

Read our  guide to in-seat laptop power  for more information.

Wi-Fi service is availble, depending on route, to all personal portable devices. Internet access is available for a fee. Daily and monthly passes may be purchased before flight. Additional information about the service may be accessed by clicking  here .

Food service depends on route, length of flight, and time of day. Flagship Business and Premium Economy passengers are offered premium dining. Main Cabin passengers on long-haul international and certain US transcontinental flights are offered complimentary multi-course meals. Sandwiches, wraps, and snack boxes are available for purchase in the Main Cabin on other flights (US domestic, Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico).

Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary on all flights. Beer, wine, and a variety of spirits are complimentary in Flagship Business, Premium Economy, and Main Cabin Extra on all flights. They are complimentary in the Main Cabin on certain long-haul international flights and may be purchased on flights where they are not complimentary.

Additional information for each class is available in the "Travel Information / During your flight" section on  aa.com .

The American Airlines Boeing 787-8 presented here is configured with American Airlines' Premium Economy product. Premium Economy is a step above Economy Class featuring additional legroom, wider seats, and enhanced inflight service.

Seating totals include:

• 20 fully lie-flat seats in Business (Flagship Business on international routes from the USA),
• 28 recliner-style Premium Economy seats,
• 48 standard Main Cabin Extra seats featuring additional legroom compared to those in Main Cabin, and
• 138 standard Main Cabin seats.

All seats feature touch sensitive inflight entertainment monitors and access to entertainment that is streamed directly to your own portable device.

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What is aircraft turbulence and how common is it?

WHAT IS TURBULENCE?

Turbulence or pockets of disturbed air can have many causes, most obviously the unstable weather patterns that trigger storms, according to an industry briefing by planemaker Airbus. The resulting water particles can be detected by weather radar.

Singapore Airlines did not immediately say what type of turbulence was involved. Tracking service FlightRadar24 said there were storms - some severe - in the area at the time.

...AND CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE?

Known by its abbreviation CAT, this is a sudden and severe swirl that causes violent buffeting of a plane even where there are no clouds, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Such invisible pockets of air can appear without warning and are hard to predict. Mark Prosser of the University of Reading said Tuesday's event most likely involved convective or storm-related turbulence, but stressed it was too early to be certain.

An investigation has been launched and experts stress aircraft accidents typically involve a combination of factors.

HOW COMMON IS IT?

Turbulence-related incidents are common, according to a 2021 study by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

From 2009 through 2018, it found that turbulence accounted for more than a third of reported events and most resulted in one or more serious injuries, but no aircraft damage.

Yet fatal turbulence in air travel remains extremely rare.

"It is a very unusual and rare event. As far as I can tell it is over 25 years since a passenger was killed by commercial airliner turbulence," said Paul Hayes, director of safety at UK-based aviation data group Cirium Ascend.

The last fatal turbulence-related accident on Cirium's database involved a United Airlines Boeing 747 in 1997.

HOW DO PILOTS RESPOND?

Crews plan ahead by studying turbulence and other weather forecasts, which have improved over the years, loading extra fuel when needed and monitoring weather radar during flight.

But sometimes violent CAT leaves little time to react.

"If it's unexpected then it's a bit late. You hope to get warnings from other aircraft in the area and slow down to make sure the effects are minimised," said retired pilot Hugh Dibley, an expert on aircraft upsets at the Royal Aeronautical Society.

WHICH PLANES ARE BEST FOR TURBULENCE?

In terms of their structure, all modern commercial jets are built to cope with forces many times those experienced in-flight, Hayes said.

But according to Swedish turbulence-forecasting website Turbli, the feeling experienced by passengers varies from plane to plane and seat to seat.

Long planes can feel most turbulent at the back and the ideal spot is around the centre of gravity, which is typically just ahead of the wings.

The Boeing 777 family is widely seen as having a strong safety record - excluding Malaysia Airlines MH17 which was downed by a missile over Ukraine and the mystery disappearance of MH370, both in 2014. It is equipped with traditional weather radar but does not have the newer 787's alleviation system.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SEATBELTS?

U.S. airline pilot and flight attendant unions told Reuters the incident highlights the importance of following crew instructions and wearing seatbelt whenever seated.

But they cautioned that leaving the seatbelt sign on all the time could erode its significance and that passengers could start ignoring it.

Among the most exposed to injury are crew who must tour the cabin to check seatbelts have been fastened when signs go on.

IS THERE ANY NEW TECHNOLOGY?

NASA says it is developing an early-warning system that relies on ground-mounted infrasonic microphones to detect clear-air turbulence hundreds of miles away.

Austria-based tech startup Turbulence Solutions says it is developing technologies to eliminate up to 80% of turbulence.

But industry experts caution any new aircraft systems must be proven to work to a high level of reliability and it takes years of rigorous testing before technology can be validated. Airlines must usually agree to foot the bill for any upgrades.

IS CLIMATE CHANGE TO BLAME?

A spate of turbulence reports has triggered a debate over whether climate change may be causing more turbulence.

A report from the University of Reading last year suggested turbulence could worsen with climate change.

"Our latest future projections indicate a doubling or trebling of severe turbulence in the jet streams in the coming decades, if the climate continues to change as we expect," said Professor Paul Williams, one of the authors.

However, he told Fox News that while there seems to be a strong correlation, more research is needed.

"It's too early to definitively blame climate change for the recent apparent increases in turbulence. Increased media coverage, aided by in-flight video footage from passengers' mobile phones, may well be a factor," Williams added.

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Boeing Violated Settlement Over 737 Max Problems, Justice Dept. Says

The department said the company had failed to design and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent violation of U.S. fraud laws.

By Benjamin Mullin

The Department of Justice said on Tuesday that Boeing was in violation of a 2021 settlement related to problems with the company’s 737 Max model that led to two deadly plane crashes in 2018 and 2019.

In a letter to a federal judge, the department said that Boeing had failed to “design, implement and enforce” a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of U.S. fraud laws in the company’s operations. Creating that program was a condition of Boeing’s settlement , which also carried a $2.5 billion penalty.

The determination by the Justice Department opens the door to a potential prosecution of a 2021 criminal charge accusing Boeing of conspiracy to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration, though Boeing can contest Tuesday’s decision.

In a statement, Boeing said that the company believed that it had honored the terms of the settlement, adding that it was looking forward to the opportunity to respond.

“As we do so, we will engage with the department with the utmost transparency, as we have throughout the entire term of the agreement,” Boeing said in its statement.

The Justice Department declined to comment. Paul G. Cassell, a lawyer representing families of victims of the fatal plane crashes, said that his clients were planning to meet with the government on May 31 to discuss next steps in the case.

When the government reached its settlement with Boeing in January 2021, many families of the crash victims said that the Trump administration had been too lenient on the aircraft manufacturer.

“This is a positive first step and, for the families, a long time coming,” Mr. Cassell said. “But we need to see further action from D.O.J. to hold Boeing accountable.”

The crashes of the 737 Max 8 planes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people, prompting the F.A.A. to ground the entire 737 Max fleet. An investigation found that both crashes involved mistaken triggering of a maneuvering system designed to help avert stalls in flight.

In another settlement, the Securities and Exchange Commission said that Boeing had offered misleading reassurances about the safety of the 737 Max in public statements after both crashes, despite knowing that the maneuvering system had posed a continuing safety issue.

The Justice Department reached its finding at a tumultuous time for Boeing, which has faced intense regulatory scrutiny since a door panel blew out of a 737 Max 9 plane during an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Ore., in January. In March, the company said its chief executive, Dave Calhoun, would step down at the end of the year, along with Stan Deal, the head of the division that makes planes for airlines and other commercial customers.

Mr. Calhoun replaced Dennis A. Muilenburg, who led the company during the 2018 and 2019 crashes. Boeing fired Mr. Muilenburg , whose performance during the crisis angered lawmakers and alienated victims’ families.

Mark Walker contributed reporting.

Benjamin Mullin reports on the major companies behind news and entertainment. Contact Ben securely on Signal at +1 530-961-3223 or email at [email protected] . More about Benjamin Mullin

Boeing: A Company in Turmoil

Settlement Violation: The Department of Justice said that Boeing was in violation of a 2021 settlement  related to problems with the company’s 737 Max model that led to two deadly plane crashes in 2018 and 2019.

A New Investigation: The F.A.A. has opened an investigation  into Boeing after the plane maker told the regulator that it might have skipped required inspections involving the wings of some 787 Dreamliners.

A Huge Loss: Boeing reported a $355 million loss  for the first three months of the year, as it deals with a quality crisis stemming from a Jan. 5 flight during which a panel blew off one of its planes.

A CEO to Fix Boeing: The plane maker, which is searching for a new chief executive, is likely to consider a small number of people , including several former Boeing executives.

Mishandling Parts to Meet Deadlines: A former Boeing manager said workers at the company’s Everett factory felt such pressure to keep production  moving that they would find unauthorized ways to get the parts they needed.