With the 787 Dreamliner, Boeing is introducing new technologies to create better environmental performance for commercial jetliners.

Fuel Use Reduced

Four key technologies contribute to an impressive 20 percent improvement in fuel use for the 787 Dreamliner as compared to today’s similarly sized airplane. New engines, increased use of light weight composite materials, more-efficient systems applications and modern aerodynamics each contribute to the 787’s overall performance.

Emissions Cut

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced as a result of fuel consumption. This means that with reduced fuel use comes an equivalent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Another key emission standard for commercial jetliners is nitrogen oxides (NOx). Specific regulations have already been set for future airplanes, using a complex formula that is based on the thrust ratings of an airplane’s engines. The 787 is being designed to ensure it will be significantly better than the more-stringent regulations that have been incorporated this year by the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP).

Quieter Takeoffs and Landings Delivered

The 787 Dreamliner uses a number of new technologies – most importantly, acoustically treated engine inlets and high bypass ratio along with other special treatments for the engines – to ensure that all sound of 85 decibels (about the level of loud traffic heard from the side of the road) never leaves the airport boundaries. In fact, the noise footprint of the 787 is 60 percent smaller than those of today’s similarly sized airplanes.

Point-to-Point Travel Enabled

Connecting people more directly to their destinations offers a number of environmental benefits. A more direct route uses less fuel, which means fewer emissions. Likewise, fewer takeoffs and landings reduce the total noise footprint.

The 787 is designed to transport passengers and cargo from their city of origin to their final destinations in the most environmentally efficient manner.

Manufacturing Technologies Mean Less Waste

Because the 787 is made primarily of carbon-fiber composite material, which is trimmed like cloth, manufacturing processes will produce less scrap material and waste.

The result will be an overall manufacturing and maintenance process that produces less waste and uses fewer harmful chemicals and agents.