Dreamy debut for the 787; Months ahead of actual flight time, Boeing's latest is rolled out to cheers in Washington

"It's a total slam dunk," Richard Aboulafia, aerospace analyst with Virginia-based Teal Group, said of the new plane. "The real question: Does it perform as advertised?"

Airbus' chief operating officer, John Leahy, is among the skeptics, noting that the European manufacturer plans to roll out only 65 to 70 of its new midsize jets, the A350 XWB, during the first 18 months of production. Boeing plans 112 of the new planes in the same amount of time, with its first delivery slated for May.

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Fast facts

WORLD TRAVELER

The 787 Dreamliner seats 210 to 330 passengers and can be used on long-haul flights.

PROFIT AND COST

Boeing estimates the aircraft could generate $250 billion in sales, or more, over 20 years. Three models are priced at $146 million to $200 million.

1ST IN LINE

Launch customer is Japan's All Nippon Airways. The carrier plans to pack its aircraft with new features, including bidets.

LIFTOFF

The aircraft's first flight probably will occur in September. Boeing says the first 787 is on track for May delivery.

Source: Tribune staff reports

jjohnsson@tribune.com

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