Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' Takes First Flight

After more than two years of delays, Boeing officially took its 787 'Dreamliner' into the skies today. Today's four hour flight around the Washington state area will allow a two member crew to perform basic tests and system checks of the aircraft. Japan's All Nippon Airlines is expected to take delivery of the first Boeing 787 later next year. Complete coverage from MSNBC.

Boeing Readies Dreamliner for First Flight

From the Agence France-Presse comes word Boeing is readying its 787 Dreamliner aircraft for its first-ever test flight in the coming days. The current schedule calls for the maiden flight on June 30th, and delivery of the first plane to All Nippon Airlines (ANA) by the first quarter of 2010.

First Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' To Arrive August 2009

Japan's All Nippon Airways said it has agreed to Boeing's anticipated delays in delivering the first Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' aircraft. According to Boeing, the first plane is now expected to arrive to ANA in August 2009, more than a year behind schedule. Supply chain glitches, and a strike at Boeing halting production, is blamed for the delays.

Tokyo-based All Nippon Airlines is scheduled to be the first customer of the 787.

A Bidet coming to a lavatory near you

Japan-based All Nippon Airlines (ANA) announced yesterday they plan to introduce the first bidet in the air. Increasingly popular in Japan and a few other countries in the world, the Bidet will "refresh the parts other airlines cannot reach," said ANA's chief executive.

The Washlet will shoot warm water allowing passengers to clean themselves, as an alternative to traditional TP.

ANA is in line to acquire 50 of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes starting in May 2008. It is expected the Bidet will come installed on each of the planes.

ANA offers daily service from San Francisco to Japan, and last month initiated service on new 777-ER planes with optional premium onboard service.

Low Cost (International) Carrier - Oasis, coming to Oakland

LCC Oasis Airlines based out of Hong Kong says it will soon be flying the long awaited Oakland - Hong Kong route later this year. Oasis, which began flying just last year, currently operates London-Hong Kong will begin Vancouver to Hong Kong service later this week.

Per their website, service between Oakland and Hong Kong will begin shortly after the Vancouver service commences followed by other worldwide destinations.

What makes Oasis unique is its long-range International flights. Most LCC operate within regions of the world. Oasis, which says it offers basic meal and beverage service in the main cabin, will be utilizing 747-400 aircraft formerly owned by Singapore & ANA Airlines. Their business plan asserts that by flying long range routes, they can save on preset expenses incurred when flying multiple shorter distance cities thereby offering lower fares to its customers.