Boeing ecoDemonstrator History

Overview

Twelve airplanes have served as flying test beds for the ecoDemonstrator program. Since it began, the ecoDemonstrator program has evaluated more than 250 technologies – 28% have progressed onto our products and services, 52% are still being matured and 20% provided helpful learnings but were discontinued.

Below is a listing of all airplanes that have been part of the ecoDemonstrator program, starting with most recent.

2025 Explorer: United Airlines 737-8

Boeing’s third ecoDemonstrator Explorer, an in-service United Airlines 737-8, flight tested a modernized data communication system designed to improve information flow between the flight deck, air traffic control and airline operation centers

2023 Explorer: Boeing 737-10 

Boeing’s second ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 737-10 destined for United Airlines, conducted in-flight testing with NASA, DLR, and GE Aerospace to measure how sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) affects contrails and non-carbon emissions, in addition to reducing the fuel’s life cycle climate impact. 

2023 Explorer: Boeing 787-10

In 2023, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program added “Explorer” airplanes to focus on a specific technology or project. The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer was a Boeing-owned 787-10 Dreamliner, which conducted flight tests from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok. The flights demonstrated how coordinating navigation across global airspace improved operational efficiency which reduces fuel consumption.

2020: Etihad Airways 787-10

The 2020 Boeing ecoDemonstrator, an Etihad Airways 787-10 Dreamliner, tested operational efficiency technologies and worked with NASA and Safran Landing Systems to conduct aircraft noise measurements from sensors on the airplane and the ground. This ecoDemonstrator supported Boeing's confidential travel initiative focused on new technologies and solutions to combat COVID-19 and strengthen air travel safety.

2018: FedEx 777 Freighter

The Boeing ecoDemonstrator flight test program made the world’s first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuel in both engines with a 777 Freighter, in collaboration with FedEx Express. This platform also investigated wake predictions to allow airplanes to fly in extended formation to "wake surf" and save fuel.

2015: TUI 757

The 2015 Boeing ecoDemonstrator, a TUI 757, tested active flow control of the vertical tail in collaboration with NASA, bug-phobic coatings, and flew across the U.S. with green diesel biofuel. It was dismantled at the end of the test program, demonstrating that 90 percent of its metal airframe was recyclable or reusable. 

2012: American Airlines 737-800

The Boeing ecoDemonstrator program first took flight in 2012 with an American Airlines 737-800. This platform tested sustainable biofuel, more aerodynamically efficient winglets now featured on the 737 MAX, and regenerative hydrogen fuel cell technology for onboard auxiliary power to the galley.