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This Sunday will see Boeing unveil the much anticipated Dreamliner 787 in Seattle.

Boeing 787
Photo Credit: Boeing Images

It does look very good and is Boeing’s first new model in 13 years.

It could be a game changer in the airlines industry, but not just for its good looks.

It is supposed to be much more fuel efficient than its competitors. The mid-sized plane, which seats up to 330 passengers and is capable of flying long-haul routes using up to 20 per cent less fuel while pumping out fewer greenhouse gases.

This is achieved using several revolutionary design features, most notably the use of high-tech plastic composites instead of aluminium.

Composites such as carbon-fibre will make up to 50 per cent of the primary structure of the plane - including the fuselage and wing.

“By manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section, we are eliminating 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000 - 50,000 fasteners,” Boeing said in a statement.

The composites used in the Dreamliner are also stronger and lighter than traditional materials, allowing the plane greater fuel efficiency.

The advantage in fuel efficiency is of course, a key competitive factor. It will allow an airlines company to potentially offer lower prices than its competitors who do not have a 787.

So far 634 orders have been placed for the Dreamliner, which has a price-tag of between $US146 million and $US200 million

You can watch the roll out of the 787 Dreamliner on the 8th of July at the Boeing webcast site here