This ANA painted Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives in Japan to begin stimulated airline service

ANA (All Nippon AIrways) and Boeing today (July 4) began an important validation of their readiness for the 787 Dreamliner’s entry into service.

Throughout the coming days, ANA pilots, together with Boeing, will fly a 787 on actual airline routes in Japan using airline dispatch and flight rules. ANA’s mechanics and ground crews also will gain experience with the airplane in a simulated operational environment.

The 787 debuted in Asia yesterday (July 3) with a landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo at 6:21 a.m. (0621) (local time). More than a thousand media, ANA employees and aviation enthusiasts gathered to witness the 787’s arrival and welcome ANA pilots Captains Masayuki Ishii and Masami Tsukamoto and Boeing pilots Captains Mike Carriker, Heather Ross and Ted Grady.

Sporting ANA’s livery, this 787 flight test airplane designated ZA002 flew nonstop to Tokyo from Seattle.

Throughout the week-long validation, the 787 will experience simulated day-to-day airline operations. maintenance, servicing and flight crew operations will be conducted at five airports in Tokyo, Osaka (Itami and Kansai), Okayama and Hiroshima.

ANA’s first scheduled service with the 787 will be either the Haneda-Okayama or Haneda-Hiroshima route when deliveries begin later this year.

ANA has 55 Dreamliners on order. ANA will deploy the 787 across its route network as an integral part of its strategy to strengthen its position and support its growth and expansion plans.

Boeing plans to deliver the first 787 to ANA in the August to September timeframe.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean. Please click on the photo for the aircraft details.