I know this is an irrational reaction, but the 787 "feels right", in a way that the A380 definitely doesn't. Maybe it's to do with the scale - the beautiful Dreamliner seems human-sized, while the A380 reduces us all to the scale of ants. (Perhaps this says something about the respective manufacturers' view of the passengers?)

K John, London, UK

The Comet was the first jet airliner but it hardly ushered in the jet age. Too small, insufficient range, and technical weaknesses relegated it into category of "great British technical innovation but market disaster". The 707 was a much more robust design and with it's transatlantic range, it (and the Douglas DC-8) were the planes that effectively introduced commercial jet travel.

Roy Farren, Seattle, USA

I think you will find that the air will be moister, not dryer!

David Watts, Blue Haven, NSW Australia

Well Composites are actually a proven material in aviation. Burt Routan's Starship used almost all composites for the frame, as well as military applications in B-2, F-117, etc. Boeing's barrel approach also provides a safer model than traditional aluminum panel on frame design. Composites - unlike aluminum - do not fatigue when pressurized and de-pressurized. In addition, there are only four seams in the aircraft as opposed to multiple horizontal and vertical seams in aluminum on frame construction. Airbus' A-350 uses composite panels on an aluminum frame. The problem here is you have galvanic corrosion when composites meet up with aluminum. This will require more not less checks and higher risks.

Boeing seems to have nailed down their new development and integration model - where Airbus failed in this regard with the A-380.

There are still some hurdles to go through - however - Boeing seems to have planned this one well.

Chris, Centreville, VA, USA

Obviously this article botched the bit about humidity. Boeing says the 787's composite fuselage will allow for a MORE humid cabin, so passengers won't be so dehydrated. That, the greater cabin pressure, and flight control systems to reduce turbulence and airsickness could be the real story of the 787 (provided Boeing can deliver on its promises, of course). This could be the first plane that people actually pay extra to fly in because travel could be that much more comfortable (or less uncomfortable, as it were).

Tom Boyer, Doylestown, PA USA

Airbus and Boeing are gambling, but each did their research of the airlines. It seems as though the airline's do want what the 787 presents. The concern is what you have noted, but revolutionary engineering and fabrication techniques are backed with hard science. Implementation is the issue.
I never saw the need for a new jumbo plane that can carry the passenger load of the A380, it seemed as though EADS/Airbus just wanted to be number one with the big plane versus make a sound business decision. Fuel efficient teams that can carry passengers in comfort are what is needed - especially with gas prices as they are. The A380 is a gas hog and well you know where those prices will be passed onto.

Jeff, Gainesville, USA/VA

I'm always glad to see Boeing trump Airbus.

Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

Saying this aircraft is "greener" suggests that aircraft in general are "green". Not so!
"This aircraft is adding to the CO2 in the atmosphere at a less dramatic rate that it's rivals" would be a more accurate statement.

Rosbif, Antibes, France

Drier air than current aircraft ?? Your article says the new plane will withstand "more humidity"...so which is it ?

Paul, Austin, Texas

The Dreamliner will remain just a dream. I, for one, don't feel comfortable flying in a "plastic" plane no matter how safe Boeing engineers may want us to believe it is. It is like driving a car made of "plastic". Would you feel safe in one? Would anyone buy a "plastic" Rolls Royce or Toyota?

Seb, New York, USA

The De Havilland Comet opened the jet age. They'll claiming to have invented the jet engine next.

David Innings, Bristol, UK

All these composite materials and extensive use of plastics are ok up to a point, but, remember the story of icarus!

john, cheshire, uk

Enoy the moment, I fear it's down hill now for Boeing, no one has left such a short time for testing an aircraft before airline delivery before and this for such a new consept. No flight test and certification program can last only 9 months and that's if this thing is flying by september,it'll be less if it's not.
Delivery ramp up is too quick, I fear compensation to airlines on a scale that Airbus did.

james wheeler, New York, US

As a frequent traveller, I tire of waiting for 1 inconsiderate passenger and thus miss my connection. I am all in favour of point -to -point. Plus imagine the state of the bathrooms of a 1000 pax A380.... yummy

lost hope, sydney,

I believe that Oantas has ordered 65 of the 787 model, not 115. They just added 20 more aircraft to their initial order of 45 to make them the largest purchaser thus far.

Eric, Keaau, USA/HI

>it would be able to withstand more air pressure and humidity inside, giving passengers denser, drier air than in current jets.<

More humidity, so drier air? That gives me lots of confidence.

Ross, Phoenix, Arizona