787 Dreamliner From Boeing To Get ‘Stretch’ Version

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner might be getting an upgrade soon.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was first delivered to Japan back in 2011.

But the Boeing 787 Dreamliner soon became a boondoggle for the company because the FAA grounded all 787 Dreamliners after a fire sprang up in the cockpit. Battery problems with the 787 Dreamliner plagued Boeing throughout 2012 and United Airlines decided to opt out with the 787 Dreamliner.

So it was not until February of this year that Boeing fixed the 787 Dreamliner to the FAA’s expectations. Last month, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner finally returned to American skies.

But now Boeing is talking about a “stretch” version of the 787 Dreamliner that would include 323 seats for long haul flights in Asia and other routes. Singapore Airlines recently made a provisional commitment to buy the new $300 million 787 Dreamliner if Boeing decides to make it. British Airways also has an option to buy more 787 Dreamliners. Other backers include United Airlines and Air Lease Corp.

Officially, Boeing is keeping quiet about the “stretch” 787 Dreamliner: “We have no comment on the report but we are engaged in discussions with customers on a potential new member of the 787 family.”

But unofficially many industry experts believe the stretched version of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be announced at next week’s Paris Airshow. The stretched Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner would have a longer fuselage and carry more passengers at the expense of having a shorter range.

Airbus, owned by European government and aerospace/defense companies, is creating the Airbus A350 as a competitor to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Airbus officials are already poo-pooing the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, claiming the sacrificed range will make it unpopular with airlines.

Would you want to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?