Boeing 787 to make landmark appearance at EAA AirVenture 2011 OSH11

Dreamliner open for tours for first time anywhere on Friday, July 29

      EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (June 15, 2011) — EAA and AirVenture chairman Tom Poberezny confirmed today that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is scheduled to make a landmark appearance at EAA AirVenture 2011 on Friday, July 29, giving aviation enthusiasts a glimpse into the next generation of commercial airliners.

      “We’re proud and excited that Boeing recognizes the significance of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in the global aviation community,” Poberezny said. “This represents two significant firsts – the first time anywhere that aviation enthusiasts can tour the 787 and the first public showcase of the 787 in North America.”

      For one day only, attendees can tour the Boeing 787 Dreamliner while it is on static display on ConocoPhillips Plaza and witness it in flight during its arrival and departure. It is scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m. on July 29 and depart following that day’s afternoon air show, at approximately 6 p.m.

      EAA AirVenture 2011, the 59th annual edition of “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” is scheduled for July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

      The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new airplane featuring a host of technologies that provide exceptional value to airlines and unparalleled levels of comfort to passengers. It is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes, enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public.

      “It’s a great honor to be able to share our airplane with aviation enthusiasts,” said Capt. Mike Carriker (EAA #505412), chief pilot for the 787 program. “We’ve made tremendous progress in finishing certification testing on our 787 flight test fleet with Rolls-Royce engines. It gives us a short opportunity to be able to share this airplane with the attendees of EAA AirVenture 2011.”

      Composite materials, more-electric systems, advanced aerodynamics and modern engines combine to make the 787 more fuel efficient and provide lower operating costs. Passengers will appreciate the cleaner cabin air, higher humidity and lower cabin altitude that combine to help them feel more refreshed after flying on the 787. Other innovations include larger windows with electrochromatic shades, bigger onboard luggage bins and reliable LED lighting.

      “Showcasing innovation, the introduction of new designs, and major industry announcements are key elements that solidify EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as aviation’s world showcase,” Poberezny said. “Large or small, AirVenture represents the broad spectrum of aviation like no other event. The appearance of the Boeing 787 is one of many firsts you can expect to see at Oshkosh in 2011.”

      AirVenture 2011 is filled with must-see features and attractions all week, including the week-long Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration, tribute days dedicated to aviation legends Burt Rutan and Bob Hoover, and REO Speedwagon in the Opening Day Concert presented by Ford Motor Company on Monday, July 25, as well as the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks capping off “Super Saturday” presented by Southwest Airlines on Saturday, July 30.

       Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets. 

      EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.