Qantas' First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Lands in Sydney

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Qantas first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring next-generation seating across Economy, Premium Economy and Business has touched down in Sydney, marking the start of an exciting new era for the national carrier and for how Australians travel. With an extended flying range and cabin layout, the 236-seat plane will open up more direct routes (e.g. Perth to London) and take passengers' comfort to the next level. The aircraft also features the Boeing-designed turbulence dampening technology, improved air quality to reduce jet lag and 65 per cent larger windows that give an increased sense of space.  

The first Dreamliner, registered as VH-ZNA, will fly a number of domestic passenger services around Australia to assist with crew familiarisation before its first international service from Melbourne to Los Angles on 15 December this year. The second Qantas Dreamliner (VH-ZNB) is currently on the production line at Boeing’s Seattle factory and will be delivered by early December. Two more Dreamliners will be delivered by March next year to coincide with the start of Perth-London services; all eight will have arrived by the end of 2018. The Business Suites and Premium Economy seats featured on the Dreamliner will be installed on the airline’s Airbus A380 fleet from 2019 onwards as part of an upgrade of its largest long-range aircraft.  

Photo Credit: Victor Pody

Seven facts about the Qantas 787

  • With a total seat count of 236 passengers, it has a significantly lower density than many other operators.
  • World first partnership with Sydney University’s Charles Perkins Centre working with scientists, dieticians and researchers to improve wellbeing and health onboard
  • Currently, most airliners have cabin air pressure equivalent to that of an altitude of 8,000 ft. For the Dreamliner, Boeing cut that down to 6,000 ft.
  • The 787 uses up to 20 per cent less fuel that other aircraft of its size.
  • Qantas as one of the early customers was consulted on the 787.
  • Quieter cabin and larger windows provide an improved onboard environment
  • The Qantas 787s are named after Australian icons following a nationwide poll