Launched in Everett, Washington. Copyright: Boeing

US plane manufacturer Boeing has unveiled its 787 Dreamliner - the firm's first all-new jet since 1995.

It is the only big commercial aircraft made mostly of carbon fibre rather than aluminium and is billed as the most environmentally friendly ever built.

Sunday was chosen for Dreamliner's premiere as it is 8 July, or, in the American date style, 07/08/07

Approximately 15,000 people attended the Premiere at the Everett, Wash., final assembly factory. More than 30,000 participated via two-way satellite into the event in Everett from Japan, Italy and locations in the United States. As many as 90 other locations around the globe involving 787 customers, partners and many Boeing employees also chose to download the event live or watch it pre-recorded and host their own viewing event.

In all, the 787 Premiere potentially reached 100 million or more viewers, making it one of the largest corporate TV and Internet broadcasts in history.

Some of the key features of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing says the 787 is much more fuel efficient than its competitors and produces 20% less CO2.

Carbon fibre, which is lighter and more durable than aluminium, makes up about 50% of the plane's structure, including the fuselage and wings.

This is intended to make the 787 fuel efficient. Boeing says the composite materials also mean air in the cabin can be more humid, leaving long-haul passengers less jetlagged.

Illuminated by arrays of light emitting diodes, both the brightness and the color of the sky-like cabin ceiling can be controlled in flight by the crew. Flight attendants can give passengers a sense of daylight when desired, and when they want to help passengers rest, simulate a beautiful nighttime sky.

New Cabin Configuration Employed on Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A thoughtful cabin configuration and well-defined architectural boundaries, such as galleys, lavatories, and other design features, provide passengers with comfortable, defined areas in more room-like proportions. These strategic cabin breaks will make passengers feel more comfortable on long-duration flights.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will have the largest windows on any modern commercial jetliner. The 19-inch (48 cm) windows will give all passengers a view to the horizon, connecting them to the flying experience.

One of the most exciting new systems features onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is wireless in flight entertainment (IFE). The new system will reduce weight and allow passengers to easily conduct business and access entertainment while in flight

Boeing introduces innovative lighting on the 787 Dreamliner. Copyright:Boeing

To date, 47 customers worldwide have ordered 677 airplanes worth more than $110 billion at current list prices, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history. The first 787 is scheduled to enter passenger service in May 2008.

Japan's All Nippon Airways set to be the first recipient as a reward for placing orders for 50 of the aircraft.

http://www.newairplane.com/