The crew, following refueling in Dhaka, continued eastbound and returned to Seattle 42 hours and 26 minutes after initial departure—completing the fastest around-the-world trip for the same weight class at 470 knots (871 km/h). No around-the-world speed record was previously set for this weight class.
Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) presented the certificates to Boeing officials, including Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, during an informal ceremony in Everett attended by more than 2,000 employees. Gaffney presented the certificates to two of the six pilots who flew the record-setting missions: Capt. Rod Skaar and 787 Chief Pilot Capt. Mike Carriker.
"These world records demonstrate what we have been saying about the 787 all along--it is a world-class product. The airlines told us they wanted an airplane that was fuel-efficient, durable and capable," Albaugh said at the event. "That's what we are delivering with the Dreamliner."
Gaffney told employees, "Around-the-world records are extremely challenging, and Boeing should be very proud of the successful world and national records they achieved with these flights. We were proud to have had the opportunity to record and certify them."
"It's an honor to receive these certificates on behalf of all of the men and women of The Boeing Company," Skaar said. "It takes an amazing amount of talent and perseverance to create an all-new airplane. A lucky few of us get to fly the airplane. We are always well aware that we are carrying the pride of the entire company as we go."
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the first airplane to provide both long distance capabilities with mid-size capacity (210-250 passengers in a three-class seating), allowing airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. The airplane is 20 percent more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes. Fifty-nine customers have 865 Dreamliners on order. The first five 787s have been delivered to ANA (All Nippon Airways) and are performing well in services.
The National Aeronautic Association is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. A non-profit association, NAA is "dedicated to the advancement of the art, sport and science of aviation inthe United States," according to its Mission Statement. The core of the organization is its members; thousands of individuals, organizations, and corporations representing all segments of American aviation. NAA encompasses all areas of flight from skydiving and models to commercial airlines, military aircraft, and spaceflight.
NAA is the official record-keeper for United States aviation. The organization provides observers for many record attempts and compiles the data necessary to certify aviation and spaceflight records of all kinds.
Read the December news story at http://www.avionics-intelligence.com/articles/2011/12/boeing-787-dreamliner.html
