It looks like a regular passenger plane and can seat 280 passengers. But it can also take off almost vertically, turn tight corners midair and land then quickly take off again.
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Boeing has published a video showcasing their new 787-9's impressive manoeuvrability ahead of attending the final weekend of Britain’s Farnborough Airshow, one of the largest annual aviation events.
The video follows hot-weather testing conducted in Alice Springs by the plane designer in January this year, when the average temperature was above 36 degrees.
The plane is63 metres long and sells for about $US53 million ($56.6 million). According to Boeing, it can take off and land even if one of the engines fails.
The president of Business Jets, Steve Taylor, said the aircraft can also roll in the air.
“Boeing philosophy is the pilot always needs to have full control over the airplane,” he said in an online video.
The Dreamliner is the first airliner to be made of carbon fibre, not aluminium, and promises airlines more fuel efficiency a saving of 20 per cent. It also offers 20 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions than comparable aircraft.
The aircraft promises a better experience for passengers too. The cabin air is, unlike other aircraft, drawn directly from outside, rather than through the engines, meaning it is fresher. The air is also more humid, and pressurised at a lower level - the theory being that passengers will feel better at the end of their flights. There are also larger windows and a more spacious cabin.
Air New Zealand will begin using this model later this year. Flights from Auckland to Perth will begin using the planes from October 15.
Qantas cancelled an order of 35 of the aircraft in August 2012 as part of attempts to limit spiralling costs. The airline retains the rights to purchase up to 50 planes.
Jetstar already flies the 787-8 for long-haul international flights.
