Bigger Airplane = Bigger Bathrooms

Seattle, Wash. – April 3, 2007 – Boeing’s newest commercial airplane, the 787 Dreamliner, will enter service in 2008 with amenities that will make flight more comfortable. And top on the list are bigger and more accessible bathrooms. "We analyzed issues passengers face on today's airplanes and incorporated advancements to better accommodate passengers of all ages," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "These advancements, coupled with the Dreamliner's larger windows, bigger carry-on bins, lower cabin altitude and cleaner air, will ensure that everyone enjoys a better flying experience on the 787." The bathrooms aboard the 787 Dreamliner feature door handles that are easier for passengers with limited agility open. "Touchless" features including faucets, toilet flushing and waste flaps are activated by infrared sensors, also making them easier to use. In addition, Boeing is offering two wheelchair-accessible lavatories on the Dreamliner. The larger lavatory repositions the entryway door and toilet to provide extra usable space and makes it easier for passengers to reach and use the facilities. But bigger bathrooms are only one of the many improvements planned for the Dreamliner. Others include: Overhead stowage bins that are easier to reach and open Bigger closets for personal wheelchair storage Movable arm rests on aisle seats that offer passengers with disabilities easier access to their seats. In addition, arrays of light emitting diodes on the ceiling will allow flight attendants to give passengers a sense of daylight or to simulate a beautiful nighttime sky. Thirty-nine airlines have placed nearly 500 orders for the airplane since the 787 launch in April 2004. This makes the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history. The latest order occurred on March 28 when Boeing announced that Travel Service, a Prague-based charter carrier, ordered one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and holds purchase rights for one more. In addition to the passenger amenities, the Dreamliner will be good for the environment as it is estimated the 787 will use 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes.

An artist rendition of the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” in flight. The aircraft is carrying the colors of Travel Service, a Prague-based charter carrier. The company is the latest customer for the 787. The planned larger restroom facilities on the Dreamliner are just one of many passenger improvements planned for the aircraft. Illuminated by arrays of light emitting diodes, both the brightness and the color of the sky-like cabin ceiling can be controlled in flight by the crew. Flight attendants can give passengers a sense of daylight when desired, and when they want to help passengers rest, simulate a beautiful nighttime sky. Photos courtesy Boeing. For More Information Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner

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