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Dublin: 12 °C Wednesday 22 February, 2012

In pictures: the luxurious airplane sitting in Dublin Airport right now

IT’S A FAR cry from the squashed plastic seats of some airlines.

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is making its first visit to Dublin Airport at the moment. Billed as one of the most luxurious commercial planes in the world, the plane is on a rather rock and roll-sounding Dream Tour to showcase the aircraft around the world.

Unfortunately the public don’t get access to the aircraft. Boo. Instead, it’s parked in a Dublin Airport hangar during the visit, which is due to end later this afternoon.

However photographers were granted access – so here’s some of the best photographs of the Dreamliner taken by Darren Kinsella and by Photocall’s Sasko Lazarov:

In pictures: the luxurious airplane sitting in Dublin Airport right now
  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    First visit to Dublin, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner new airplane. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Screens on the back of seats on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Seats on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Inside the Dreamliner Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    The inside of the Dreamliner Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Seats on board the Boeing 787. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Seats on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    A relaxation area on boards the Boeing 787 Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Screens on the back of seats on board the 787 Dreamliner Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • The Dreamliner in Dublin

    Seats on boards the 787 Dreamliner Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

  • Dreamliner in Dublin

    The Dreamliner in a hangar in Dublin Airport. Photograph: Darren Kinsella http://www.darrenkinsella.com

  • Dreamliner in Dublin

    The cockpit of the Dreamliner. Photo: Darren Kinsella http://www.darrenkinsella.com

And here’s a video of the first ever landing of the 787 Dreamliner in Dublin Airport, taken by reader David Soffe:

(Video via 50dsof)

Boeing hands over its latest project: the luxury 787 ‘Dreamliner’

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Comments (47 Comments)

  • Aydo 27 days ago #
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    Imagine the inside of that plane once it’s been Ryanairized. Shudder. Nice looking jet though.

    Reply
  • XSell Promotions 27 days ago #
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    Does anyone know exactly when it’s leaving?

    Reply
  • Noel Carroll 27 days ago #
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    Why all the hype now? It was in Shannon twice last year. I’d expect such Dublin-centric reporting from RTE but come on Journal.ie!!

    Reply
    • Peter Carroll 26 days ago #
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      It’s officially ‘on tour’ now so press coverage goes hand in hand with that.

    • Christine Bohan 26 days ago #
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      Sorry Noel. We do make a conscious effort not to be too Dublin-centric – in this case it was just cos we thought the pics were really strong and people would be interested in seeing it. We do try to cover lots from outside Dublin too but like all news outlets in the country, we could always do better…

    • Lara Gillespie 26 days ago #
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      1,200 US warplanes went thru Shannon last year too (the outcome being many innocent people killed in oil rich locations) but you rarely hear about that either.

    • Kevin O'Sullivan 26 days ago #
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      Fantastic article Christine, and another great job by TheJournal Team. I’m interested in the pictures and the story, and I was born, reared and I currently hide out in Waterford so I am far from a Dub.

      From all of us here in Waterford, Thank You! :D

    • Matthew Fitzpatrick 26 days ago #
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      Don’t forget that most of the population is in Dublin, to a certain extent this kind of thing is unavoidable..

  • B7584 26 days ago #
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    I was on a virgin atlantic flight about 15 ir 16 years ago that had screens in the back of seats and content on demand on them along with snes nintendo games.

    Reply
    • Martin Jordan 26 days ago #
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      Your spot on ….. It looks a cheap version of a brand new plane. No wow factor at all!

    • B7584 26 days ago #
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      Red thumbs? Huh?

    • Cpm 26 days ago #
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      I don’t think it’s making the press because it has screens on the back of its seats. But well done, regardless.

    • B7584 26 days ago #
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      I never said thats why it was making the news,it was merely a comment.

    • Chris 26 days ago #
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      Its hilarious how something so innocent can get such a negative feedback!!?? I really dont understand people sometimes..have some green thumbs B7584!!

    • Larry Bird 26 days ago #
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      Don’t expect it to be like the burj al arab, cabin improvements are there for sure but this things biggest draw is it’s fuel efficiency. It can fly approx 20,000km on one tank.

  • Steven Smyth 26 days ago #
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    So that’s what those people do parked up on the road beside the runway at Dublin airport – that’s not what I thought they were doing I can tell ye!

    Reply
  • Michael Twomey 26 days ago #
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    its here to do with some aircraft leasing expo/conference in dublin,over 50% of the worlds leasing companies are based in ireland,departs today

    Reply
  • Pen Name 26 days ago #
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    Boeing is quietly pleased with your uncritical publicity, journal.ie.

    Reply
    • Christine Bohan 26 days ago #
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      To be fair, I’m not even sure if the plane flies out of Ireland – neither Ryanair nor Aer Lingus fly one, and I don’t know what other airlines use it. It wasn’t intended to be uncritical publicity – although I can see how it can look like that.

    • Pen Name 26 days ago #
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      Well it’s a good news story about America. That’s the important thing.

    • kennbarr 26 days ago #
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      You’re dead right, Boeing are pleased with the uncritical publicity in this article, because clearly when major international airlines are deciding what $150m airplane to buy, they’re going to be swayed by a few nice pictures in thejournal.ie and not hundreds of hours of work by their experienced technical teams

    • Peter Carroll 26 days ago #
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      It’s a mid size long range aircraft with an improved fuel consumption. Boeing claims 20% improvement over existing aircraft. If you order one now you will get delivery in 2020. Ryanair’s current business model is short/medium haul therefore this model is not for them. Aer Lingus are probably waiting for the market to pick up and will most likely lease one in the future. There cash position is being carefully managed for now.

      In reporting this event I am not sure how the Journal could be critical or otherwise. We’re talking about a new piece of kit.

  • Darren Kinsella 26 days ago #
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    I am amazed by the criticism staff at thejournal regularly get in the comments pages. They bring us constantly updated news from 7am-11pm everyday for free. If you don’t like what they post, go elsewhere. Well done Christine and all your colleagues for your constant news coverage. BTW, the 787 leaves at 3pm today.

    Reply
    • B7584 26 days ago #
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      Id agree,try reading breakingnews.ie
      Not a new story after 6pm & certainly no depth in the articles.

    • paudy o brien 26 days ago #
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      Breaking news .ie is hopeless . Either very late or don’t bother with some stories

    • Byron Smith 26 days ago #
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      I agree, like people here should get journalism degrees if they want to comment in such a manner… Or say what news agency they work for that begrudes the journals success

  • Stephen Loughnane 26 days ago #
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    Christine Bohan, it’s a great article, very well written, you should stop defending and explaining it, just saying!

    Reply
  • Niall Magoran 26 days ago #
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    I sure would love a chill out space like the boeing has, I’m 6″6 and could do with the leg room, normally I need a shoe horn to get me out of the cramped seats :-)

    Reply
  • Tony Stanley 26 days ago #
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    Well the airline I fly for has a few dozen of these on order and I assure you it will be no different to flying in any other plane! It’ll have the same seats as the rest of the fleet, it’ll have the same food and most importantly it’ll have the same fuel surcharges on the ticket price despite it being 20% more fuel efficient!!!!

    Reply
  • Philip Doyle 26 days ago #
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    Was on this baby this morning as part of work trip!! It’s a beautiful aircraft!!

    Reply
  • Robert McDonnell 26 days ago #
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    It doesn’t really look all that different from other jets – and if it’s meant to compete with the A380 it’ll lose badly.

    Plus, all this ‘relaxation area’ stuff is likely to be first class only, so unless you want to remortgage the house your trip on economy won’t feel any different to a 737.

    Reply
    • Jerry D. 26 days ago #
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      Wrong on all counts. First, it’s not meant to compete with the A380; the Boeing 747-800 is. It’s intended to fly point-to-point efficiently rather than having to travel from Dublin to an A380 hub, then to another A380 hub, then a third flight to your final destination. Much rather have one flight than having to switch and wonder if my luggage is with me the whole way.

      Due to physics, the exterior simply can’t look much different from other aircraft, but it does have it’s unique features. And the exterior is mostly composite, unlike any other commercial aircraft.

      As for in-flight experience, it is quite different than existing aircraft. Larger overhead bins so there will be more free foot room, 65% larger windows that dim and lighten rather than having an up-an-down shade, lower cabin pressure and increased cabin humidity to reduce the dryness that contributes to jetlag and makes for a more comfortable flight. Ambient cabin “mood-lighting” that simulate sunrise and sunset rather than florescent lights flickering. Larger restrooms with toilet seats that automatically rise and fall so you don’t have to touch them.

      The A380 is just a bigger plane with not much in the way of advancement. The Boeing 787 is a radically different aircraft inside and out and a template for future designs.

  • Declan Byrne 26 days ago #
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    Hi Does anyone have the flight number and whats its next destination.Im Watching the skies

    Reply
  • jimbo 26 days ago #
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    new mode of transport for kenny and co.

    Reply
  • Ciaran McGrath 26 days ago #
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    Wow, it looks just as uncomfortable and degrading to travel in as all the other tin cans.

    Reply
  • Curitiba 26 days ago #
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    Apart from the “relaxation area” I don’t see anything different about the aircraft. The screens on the back of seats were on a flight I took 10+ years ago, saw them recently on a TAM aircraft as well. The cockpit looks like a
    cockpit!

    Reply
  • Curitiba 26 days ago #
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    Just watched the video of it landing… Seminal moment! :-/

    Reply
  • Paul McEvoy 26 days ago #
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    I was on it before it took off earlier. It’s a beautiful piece of engineering. It doesn’t create as much noise as other aircraft and I can’t wait to see it back in Dublin sometime in the future full to the brim with the tourists our economy needs.

    Reply
  • jimbo 26 days ago #
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  • Tom Sullivan 26 days ago #
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    Sorry, Boeing, but the A380 still beats you hands down.

    Reply
    • Jerry D. 26 days ago #
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      It’s not meant to compete with the A380; the Boeing 747-800 is. It’s intended to fly point-to-point efficiently rather than having to travel from Dublin to an A380 hub, then to another A380 hub, then a third flight to your final destination, which overall uses more fuel and takes more time. Much rather have one flight than having to switch and wonder if my luggage is with me the entire way.

      The A380 is just a big whale of old technology. The 787 exterior is mostly composite, unlike any other commercial aircraft. Inside the advancements continue with larger overhead bins so there will be more free foot room, 65% larger windows that dim and lighten rather than having an up-an-down shade, lower cabin pressure and increased cabin humidity to reduce the dryness that contributes to jetlag and makes for a more comfortable flight. Ambient cabin “mood-lighting” that simulate sunrise and sunset rather than florescent lights flickering. Larger restrooms with toilet seats that automatically rise and fall so you don’t have to touch them.

      These are just a few of the advancements that Airbus will study and try to emulate, but copy as they may, they’ll never catch up to Boeing.

    • Larry Bird 26 days ago #
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      The Qantis incident hurt the A380′s sales very badly.

  • Damien Kelly 26 days ago #
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    Sick I missed it. Much prefer to see the A380 though. Looking forward to my first flight on both.

    Reply
  • Andrew Telford 26 days ago #
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    ANA are the launch customers… Don’t really know why it’s here. I saw them rolling off the assembly line in Everett last summer. United, Delta and Ethiad have orders and serve Dublin so we could see a couple serve here

    Reply
  • Dsd Sds 26 days ago #
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    Great stuff journal.ie . Yes for the non plane enthusiasts nothing much to see. The 20% weight saving using composites the stuff looks the same as metal. However less weight means more fuel saving and longer flight range. For the steerage class a bit more comfortable for the longer flights. For the green brigade the fuel figures are probably similar to A380 nearly 90 miles to the gallon per passenger (3.3l per 100 kilometers). Not that CO2 emissions are harmful to the planet if you ignore the fake CO2 will cook our goose crews ,but there would be real drops in CO2 emissions per average flight . Examples are 767 twin engine jet will in first half hour of flight burn 11 tons of fuel to get to cruising height and only fly at speeds of sub 300MPH. After that at cruising height the plane will cruise at 550MPH plus and burn 6 tons of fuel for the first few hours, As the fuel weight drops the plane will burn 5 tons per hour. Later again on the longer hauls the fuel consumption drops closer to 4 tons per hour. Average MPG per passenger is probably more than 70MPG. Compare a Deamliner flight without hub flight model with three take offs where the fuel consumption is greatest and the probably two legs use smaller planes like 737 that get more like 60MPG per passenger seat and it jumps out at you the fuel saving the Dreamliner can achieve on point to point long haul flights .
    Airliners are not in the cutting the CO2 emissions they are in the fuel saving trade as that makes more profits. If planes fly further with less fuel they can carry more passengers and make more profits. There is nothing in it for airliners to buy gas gussler planes.The Dreamliner class of planes shows that airliners are often exceeding all green targets set for them as they have a serious reason not to use to much fuel. However green movements rarely show these facts often quoting the fuel figures from 1960 gas gussler jets. The result is airlines chose the logic ignore the greens who want planes to run on water. The airlines would also love plane to run on water but are in the real world how to make the most profits and burn the least amount of fuel. Also there is the reality that there are many saving to be had on the ground costs at airports from the lack of necessity to land to refuel.
    However its not all good news. The massive capital costs which are the biggest costs in most planes makes the Dreamliner a huge investment as composites don’t come cheap. In this time where passenger numbers to many destinations are low and fuel and airport charges are not such a big charge it makes the hub solution flights the logical solution for most airlines. Fuel costs often make ~25% of flight costs where capital costs often exceed ~50% of the cost of each flight .
    However there are still many long range routes with high passenger numbers such as Moscow New York where a Dreamliner is the only real solution( bad news for Shannon refuel stops).
    Like trains are not the solution for all transport and will never replace all bus travel we will probably see the two solutions Dreamliner point to point flying and the
    hub solution work alongside for a great many decades

    Reply

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