The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was the star attraction at the Farnborough International Airshow 2010 and will go into use in the UK in January 2012.

Able to seat 250 passengers the aircraft, of which around 20% was made in the UK, produces 20% less carbon dioxide than similar-sized planes.

It uses carbon fibre to create a more efficient and lighter fuselage rather than the traditional, and heavier, riveted aluminium.

The plane is therefore lighter and, claims Boeing, will be more fuel efficient and will also have a lower cabin pressure which could cut jet lag.

A spokesman for Thomson Airways, who will be first to use the new plane in 2012, said: “Its new composite fuselage structure enables lower altitude cabin pressure – 6,000ft as opposed to the standard 8,000ft – leading to less travel related headaches, sickness and fatigue.

“Its use of advanced materials also means higher cabin humidity which reduces symptoms of dryness and dehydration, which in turn reduces symptoms of jet lag.”

Chairman of the UK’s AeroSpace, Defence and Security (ADS) trade organisation, Ian Godden, said: “The UK is number one in Europe and second only to the US globally in civil aerospace.

“Our technical expertise in manufacturing and services in aerospace is known throughout the world and this is endorsed by the key roles being played in the 787 Dreamliner programme by a number of leading UK companies.”

Luke Walsh

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