Commenting on the maiden flight of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, to be made this week, Captain Sandy Mitchell, chairman of the flight safety committee of the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA)said:

'The Boeing 787 is a step change in technology and efficiency in civil air transport.

'With a composite structure, increased strength will permit a lower cabin altitude and increased electrical generation will permit the deletion of a pneumatic system and lighter, more powerful, hydraulics.

'On the flight deck, a fully integrated electronic information system and the dual head up displays will be the most important features in enhancing pilot situational awareness.