The Dreamliner has grown up！ ANA's new Boeing 787-9 aircraft stretches an impressive 62.8 meters in total length

▲ ANA All Nippon Airways’ new Boeing 787-9 aircraft has officially been delivered and is expected to enter domestic service in August. (Photo provided by ANA; the same applies to following images)

By Chen Rui-zhong / Staff Reporter

ANA All Nippon Airways announced that its brand-new extended Boeing 787-9 aircraft began delivery on July 27 and arrived in Japan on July 29. It is expected to enter service on domestic routes in Japan starting August. Compared to the 787-8, the 787-9 has increased in length from 56.7 meters to 62.8 meters. The first 787-9 will also be configured with 395 seats, 60 more than the current 787-8, and is scheduled to begin international service in April 2015.

▲ Compared to the existing 787-8 model, the new 787-9 is 6.1 meters longer and has 60 additional seats.

Currently, ANA has ordered a total of 80 Boeing 787 aircraft, including 36 787-8s (28 of which have already been delivered) and 44 787-9s. The 787 planes currently in operation have already saved enough fuel to fly 500 round trips between Tokyo and Frankfurt, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 150,000 tons. It is estimated that once all 80 aircraft are in service, they will reduce annual CO2 emissions by 450,000 tons—equivalent to 1,400 round trips between Tokyo and Frankfurt.

Before fully entering commercial service, ANA will hold a special “Dream” commemorative flight on August 4, 2014. The airline will carry elementary school students from Japan and American schools in Japan on a flight to view Mount Fuji, fostering goodwill and friendship among future leaders of both nations. The aircraft’s fuselage features the word TOMODACHI (meaning “friends” in Japanese), supporting the friendly relations between Japan and the United States.