Boeing 787 Dreamliner makes test flight from Manchester
- Published
An aircraft that promises to relieve the pain of flying economy class has touched down in Britain
A plane described as "the next generation aircraft" by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has made a test flight from the airport.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Manchester at 11:30 BST and returned at about 13:00 BST.
More than 10,000 people went to the airport to see the plane, which is on a world tour.
The aircraft is made of composite materials and Boeing claims it uses 20% less fuel.
Thomson Airways was the first UK airline to order the plane.
The carrier is expected to start using the aircraft on flights from Manchester to Cancun, Mexico, and to Florida, USA, from May 2013.
Andrew Harrison, chief operating officer for MAG, said they were "pulling out all the stops" to showcase Dreamliner to thousands of people who had turned up at the airport's Runway Visitor Park.
He said: "[It] is the next generation aircraft and we're delighted Thomson has chosen to bring it to Manchester."
The Dreamliner has already stopped at Heathrow Airport and will be departing for Gatwick Airport on Wednesday.
- Published24 April 2012
- Published25 October 2011