Boeing's 787-10 Dreamliner cleared for commercial service by Federal Aviation Administration

Boeing has announced the 787-10 Dreamliner received an amended type certificate (ATC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), clearing the aircraft for commercial service.
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The awarding of ATC caps a successful flight test programme that began in March 2017 and involved three flight test airplanes that accumulated about 900 test hours. Boeing's flight test program team took the airplanes through a series of tests to confirm the airplane's handling, systems and overall performance met internal requirements and certification standards to ensure safety of flight.

"We are pleased to have met the rigorous standards set forth by the FAA and are eager to bring the airplane to market for our valued customers," said Brad Zaback, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "After years of design and testing, our team has proven the quality, safety and reliability of the newest member of the Dreamliner family and we look forward to seeing the airplane in service later this year.

Other aviation regulatory agencies are expected to follow the FAA's lead and certify the airplane before it enters service.

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Getting the green light of certification paves the way for deliveries less than a year after flight tests commenced for the 787-10.

“It’s a massive testament to the 787 family maturation as well as that of the Boeing South Carolina team who are in the unique position of being able to assemble all three 787 models under one roof. Equally, it throws down the gauntlet to Boeing’s traditional hub up in WA State – the planned launch of the NMA/797 may well be decided upon by efficiency and cost, and there’s no question that Boeing South Carolina is a very agile and competitive operation.

Ahmad added: “That said, for the 787-10, it has no rivals in the space it occupies. A huge order from Emirates last year underscores just why the 787-10 is so unique. It has the lowest trip costs of any wide-body airplane and can complete over 95% of flights mission profiles served by todays 777-200ER. As time goes on, the maturity of the 787-10 will give it a further payload/range advantage, particularly over the significantly heavier A350-900 which offers no discernible increase in revenue seating capacity either.

“Alongside Emirates, Etihad is also poised to be one of the biggest 787-10 operators. Notwithstanding the blockade, it is equally possible that Qatar Airways may look to purchase the 787-10 to complement its fleet of 787-8s and planned arrival of 787-9s too.”