The British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner has once again visited Newcastle as part of an eight day pilot training programme.
Back in August 2013 Newcastle International Airport was the first regional airport in the UK to receive a special visit from the British Airways Dreamliner, much to the delight of enthusiasts and passengers. The airline has ordered 42 787s and there are currently 8 in service.
As part of this latest visit the 787 performed numerous take-offs and landings at Newcastle International Airport as Dave Sproat, British Airways’ Assistant Flight Training Manager took pilots (Captains and First Officers) through their training using the airline’s most technologically advanced aircraft.
Leon McQuaid, Aviation Development Manager at Newcastle Airport, said: “We’re delighted that British Airways chose to bring the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Newcastle for this pilot training programme.
“This is a spectacular aircraft and we know following its visit last year just how much the North East loves to see it here at the airport.
“Our Heathrow service is a vital link for both business and leisure travellers and sees thousands of passengers connect onto international services. Many of our passengers will connect onto long-haul services using this highly advanced aircraft so it’s wonderful to see.”
Left to right: Mark Gregg, Rein Zwolsman, Helen Colaluca and Leon McQuaid.
Angela Sumner-Cook, British Airways’ Airport Manager Newcastle, said: “Our pilots have the highest levels of training to give our customers the safest and best possible experience on every flight.
“We appreciate the support given by Newcastle International Airport in helping us to deliver this training programme for our pilots.
“With up to seven flights a day to London Heathrow, British airways is proud to provide this important service to the region. Many of our customers go on to connect onto long-haul destinations on our fleet including the 787 Dreamliner.”
The 787 offers huge benefits – including a whisper-quiet cabin pressurised 2,000ft lower than other aircraft (6,000ft), allowing customers to arrive at their destination feeling more refreshed and less jet-lagged.
Its smooth ride technology also provides extra comfort during any turbulence. Bespoke mood lighting in every cabin can be set to reflect the time of day, helping to lull travellers to sleep at night and to wake them gently in the morning.
Customers can also enjoy the largest windows of any commercial aircraft, offering views of the horizon from every seat, or relax watching British Airways’ new in-flight entertainment system, which features more than 1,600 hours of programming.
The 787 is also extremely fuel-efficient – burning 20 per cent less fuel than the aircraft it replaces.
Photo caption (left to right): Angela Cook, Leon McQuaid, Chris Holden, Helen Colaluca with the British Airways Dreamliner.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
