Boeing and 787 launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA) have completed the service ready operational validation (SROV) trials, covering routes to and from Tokyo's Haneda International airport.
ANA pilots, along with Boeing test pilots, flew the second 787 test aircraft to Haneda Airport from Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington to begin the trials which were intended to give the Japanese carrier "experience with the airplane in the simulated operational environment," said Boeing.
During the trials, the 787 was flown between Toyko and four airports across Japan, including Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Okayama and Hiroshima.
"Giving our team a chance to work with the airplane prior to entry into service was very valuable," said Katsunori Shimazaki, ANA corporate planning senior manager and the airline's leader of the validation. "Our crews are excited to begin operating the first 787 revenue flights later this year."
Boeing said teams from ANA and the airframer "validated more than 100 procedures" which included towing, conducting fit checks of ground equipment, employing electronic flight bag data and undertaking maintenance activities.
"Our teams worked well together and the airplane performed as we expected," said Mike Fleming, 787 services and support vice president.
ANA's first scheduled service with the 787 has been narrowed between Tokyo Haneda-Okayama or Tokyo Haneda-Hiroshima.
Boeing said first 787 delivery is still planned for the August or September timeframe.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
