Marty Bentrott: ‘The Dreamliner uses path-breaking technologies

By Pratap John/Chief Business Reporter
Qatar Airways has made a “significant contribution” towards the success of the Boeing Dreamliner 787, which will soon become a “familiar sight” in the skies above Doha, a top Boeing official said yesterday.
“The Dreamliner is the first all-new airplane of the 21st century and with its extensive use of path-breaking technologies, it is certain to revolutionise not only the passenger experience but also airline operations. We are very excited the airplane is here today so our partners at Qatar Airways can see it for themselves,” Marty Bentrott, vice president, (sales - Middle East, Russia and Central Asia), Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told Gulf Times  yesterday.
Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines, such as Qatar Airways, to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the travelling public.
“Advanced aerodynamics, lightweight structures, optimum system use and more efficient engines all contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The 787 also uses a number of new technologies to reduce community noise, making the noise footprint 60% smaller than similarly-sized airplanes,” he said.
“Lower noise and environmental impact fees further reduce the operating costs of the Dreamliner in an era of continually rising fuel costs, efficiency of the 787 is a built-in hedge. The fuel cost advantage of the 787 over other airplanes increases with every increase in the price of crude oil,” he added.
More than 800 787s are on order by more than 55 airlines, which the company said, is a “testament to the airplane’s unique capabilities”.
A wide range of Boeing products are currently used by Qatar Airways and the Qatar Emiri Air Force.
While Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 28 Boeing 777s, which form the backbone of its long-haul fleet, the Qatar Emiri Air Force took delivery of two C-17 Globemaster III airlifters in 2009, which it uses to provide vital humanitarian aid around the world in the aftermath of natural disasters.
In a statement Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker said: “Going aboard the Dreamliner only served to reinforce my confidence in this airplane, which will undoubtedly prove to be an excellent fit to our needs, as we start taking delivery of our first 787 next summer.
“The Dreamliner’s ability to combine superior operating economics and an unparalleled passenger experience will certainly help enable our expansion plans. This is truly a game-changing airplane and I have no doubt that we have made the right decision by investing in it.”
Boeing established its first office in Qatar in December last year.