ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Boeing launched the 787 programme with an order for 50 of the new aircraft, the construction of which is 50% composite materials.

"This is a great day for the 787 team," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 Dreamliner programme. "In 2004, ANA demonstrated great faith in Boeing and the 787 by placing the largest launch order for any new airplane in Boeing history. Since then, the ANA team has been an integral part of developing the 787 family of airplanes."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has 865 orders from 56 airlines.

Update

On 23 June Boeing announced a further delay to the first flight of the 787. The company will release a revised schedule for first flight and first delivery in several weeks time.