Summary
Since entering service in 2011, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has become one of the most significant commercial aircraft of the 21st century. Designed to replace older widebody types such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330, the 787 introduced a new generation of fuel-efficient long-haul flying, combining lightweight composite construction, advanced aerodynamics and modern passenger comfort features.
Available in three variants – the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 – the Dreamliner has found favour with airlines around the world thanks to its versatility and efficiency. Today it serves everything from long-haul intercontinental routes to thinner point-to-point services that would previously have been uneconomical. Operators include United Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, ANA, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and many more.
As the Dreamliner approaches its second decade in service, aviation author Nigel Richardson has produced Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a detailed look at the development, technology and operational history of Boeing’s innovative widebody aircraft. In this review, we take a closer look at what the book offers aviation enthusiasts and whether it deserves a place on your bookshelf.
About the Book
By ayustety (787 at San Jose Airport) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Published by Amberley, this paperback book is a fascinating introduction to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
It charts the development and design of the aircraft, its construction and production, as well as its operational career with airlines around the world.
Across 96 pages, the book is packed with colour photographs and illustrations, covering everything from the aircraft’s development and manufacturing process through to its worldwide airline operations. It provides an insightful look behind the scenes at one of the most ambitious commercial aircraft programmes ever undertaken.
Chapters include:
- Design and Development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Building the Boeing 787
- Boeing 787 Described
- Boeing 787-8: Into Service
- Boeing 787-9: Into Service
- Boeing 787-10: Into Service
- Boeing 787 Technical Specifications
The book includes more than 140 photographs and images, illustrating both the aircraft itself and the fascinating story behind its development.
One aspect I found particularly interesting was the coverage of the Dreamliner’s difficult early development period. Today it is easy to forget the challenges Boeing faced bringing the aircraft into service, including delays, technical issues and the fact that some early aircraft were ultimately stored because they were overweight and unsuitable for airline use. The book does a good job of explaining these hurdles while showing how the programme eventually became one of Boeing’s most successful modern aircraft families.
How to Get a Copy
If you’re a regular reader of AirportSpotting you’ll know of Nigel Richardson’s work and understanding of civil aviation. He has produced many informative articles for this website, as well as one of our own books on the Boeing 757. His informed, detailed descriptions and narrative of the story is engaging for both seasoned aviation experts as well as casual readers keen to know more about this modern airliner.
You can order a copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/0feXLtU5
Competition Copy
This month a copy of Boeing 787 Dreamliner by Nigel Richardson will be won by one of our lucky Airport Spotting Premium Members.
Premium Membership is a way to get more from your spotting hobby, and includes lots of extra content such as a monthly magazine, guides and resources. We also give away a prize every month.
If you’d like to join and be in with a chance of winning next month’s prize, sign up here!
