The Boeing 787 is granted extended 330 minutes ETOPS

Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) has released this statement about extended ETOPS for the 787:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved additional extended operations (ETOPS) for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The move will allow 787s to be operated up to 330 minutes from a landing field and signals continued confidence in the airplane’s technical capabilities.

Dreamliners have been allowed to operate up to 180 minutes away from a landing field since they were introduced into service in 2011. Granting of the expanded operational permission will allow airlines to introduce additional routes after they meet the proof of capabilities requirements and receive approval from their own regulatory agencies for such operations.

ETOPS operations will make the 787 even more efficient in operations as they enable more direct flight paths, which can save thousands of pounds of fuel and reduce carbon emissions.

More than 1,030 787s have been ordered by 60 customers to date. Boeing has delivered 146 Dreamliners to 19 customers.

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Boeing 787 Flights Extended

Boeing 787 operators have received FAA approval to fly Extended Operations (ETOPS), a development that the company says will enable aircraft to fly on a wider range of routes and to more destinations. 

The ETOPS approval allows 787s to be operated for up to 330 minutes (5.5 hours) away from an airport, up from the previous 180 minutes. The FAA's approval is a sign of confidence in the aircraft that received negative publicity throughout 2013 after incidents involving its lithium-ion battery system grounded the global 787 fleet for more than three months. 

"Our customers are eager to expand their 787 operations," said Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager, 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We're delighted that this capability, which was designed into the airplane from the very beginning, has been certified." 

Boeing announced the ETOPS approval less than one week after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued recommendations to the FAA for an improved certification process for lithium ion batteries installed on aircraft. Last year the 787's lithium ion battery system was redesigned following the global fleet grounding in order to prevent overheating. 

To date, Boeing has delivered 146 Dreamliners to 19 different customers, and has received 1,030 orders for the aircraft from 60 different customers. The company plans on an entry into service for two new versions of the aircraft with the 787-9 toward the end of this year, and the 787-10 in 2016.

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