The external appearance and internal configurations, broadly speaking, repeat shapes and structures that have been maintained over the years due to their proven success, varying only in details such as the number of aisles, the number of engines, and, in some cases, even the aircraft's height. But nothing could be further from the truth. The aviation industry has made spectacular leaps in the last two decades, both in engine manufacturing and avionics
development, as well as in interior comfort and model efficiency. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Air Europa's flagship aircraft, is a good example of this.
The Dreamliner is, by its own right, the most advanced long-haul model on the market. Since its inaugural flight 14 years ago, it has established itself as the main reference in terms of comfort and sustainability, both key elements in the evolution of the industry.
Air Europa was the first Spanish company to adopt the Dreamliner, back in 2016. It currently has 23 aircraft in its fleet, which will soon be joined by new units to meet the high level of demand, especially on routes to and from Latin America.
The airline has the two main configurations of this twin-aisle model: the 787-8, with 274 seats, and the 787-9, with an extended fuselage, which seats up to 307 passengers. Both models form the backbone of Air Europa's offer from America to Madrid, with a total of 21 routes linking both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Designed for efficiency
Over the past few years, the 787 has played a key role in answering two key questions for the evolution of the industry: how to meet the industry's efficiency challenges and how to create a better in-flight experience for customers. In both cases, the Dreamliner answers those queries.
In terms of technical innovation and its impact on flight efficiency, Boeing's flagship model is a compendium of the improvements that are setting the pace for the industry. The first of these lies in its design. It is the first aircraft to incorporate 50% composite materials into its construction, which makes it stronger and more robust, while at the same time making it lighter, which contributes to lower fuel consumption.
In addition to its improved aerodynamics, the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines together give it the ability to consume 20% less fuel than other similar models, reducing emissions to the atmosphere by the same amount.
The Dreamliner's efficiency is not only measured in terms of fuel consumption, but also in terms of environmental and acoustic impact, which, on this last point, is 60% lower compared to aircraft of a similar size. This has a direct effect on people living in the vicinity of airports, helping them to rest not only inside but also outside the aircraft.
So, while external design contributes to making air connectivity more sustainable, how does it make it a more pleasant experience for the passenger?
Synonymous of comfort
First of all, with a cabin that has revolutionised the way space has been used in aircrafts up to now. Not only does the Dreamliner have a wider fuselage, but it also offers more headroom, has luggage compartments that make better use of storage space, and, above all, has windows that are 30% larger than usual. This not only provides more light and a better view, but also makes it possible to do without the usual rigid blinds in favour of a unique technology that allows the opacity of the glass to be adjusted by simply pressing a button.
The space between seats is also significantly wider in both Business and Economy Class. In fact, the comfort of the Business Class seats is one of Air Europa's main appeals; their fully folding seats are equipped with all the necessary elements to make a long-haul flight a unique experience.
The interior comfort of the 787 is not only due to the configuration of the seats, but also to the technology implemented to help passengers rest. Proof of this is the air filtering system it incorporates. In addition to eliminating the presence of bacteria and viruses, which was key to passenger safety during the pandemic years, it minimises the presence of bad odours and pollutants. It also helps to reduce the dryness of the atmosphere, generating more humidity in the cabin and making breathing easier.
Better atmosphere, more light or more space between seats were not enough to achieve the perfect journey. So, in addition, the 787 reduces the effects of jet lag, as well as the dizziness, headaches, and fatigue of long flights. How does it achieve this? On the one hand, with greater stability even at high speeds (in fact, the Dreamliner can reduce journeys by up to 40 minutes and, on the other hand, with cabin pressurisation almost 610 metres lower than standard, allowing the body to absorb 8% more oxygen.
The ”Dreamliner Effect”
The so-called "Dreamliner Effect" has transformed Air Europa's commercial proposition since its incorporation into the company's fleet. Its extensive capabilities have allowed the airline to face the challenges of an industry that will never be the same again and that is constantly evolving with greater confidence. Thanks to its size and versatility, Air Europa can carry more passengers with fewer flights, and also leverage the spacious cargo hold to move more freight,
thereby optimizing fuel consumption and reducing emissions. In this way, the airline has rapidly restored its operations, responding particularly to the positive market performance in terms of connectivity between America and Europe through the Madrid-Barajas Airport hub.
However, this model is also used on medium-haul routes within the European continent with great success.
In 2024, Air Europa will continue to expand its 787 fleet, reaching around 25 units by the end of the year. The success of this model speaks for itself, as reflected in passenger opinions about their onboard experience, which includes a unique entertainment offering and a gastronomic proposal that, on flights from Madrid to America, offers several menus created by Martín Berasategui, the Spanish chef with the highest number of Michelin stars. This is how
flying can be the best part of the journey.
