New Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be tested in Yuma

Seeing planes flying in the skies above Yuma isn't unusual. But, according to officials at the Yuma International Airport, Yumans will be seeing the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the next few months.

Boeing will be performing hot weather testing on several of 787 Dreamliners and 747-8 freighters at the Yuma International Airport's Defense Contractor Complex through the summer and fall.

“We are extremely pleased that Boeing selected Yuma as a testing location for these two important aircraft”, said William Gresser, Airport Board President. “Yuma's heat and sea level meets several requirements necessary for the aircraft to receive FAA certification.”

The first blue-and-white 787 Dreamliner arrived on Monday to begin a series of tests that will last from two to five days.

Boeing spokesman Scott LaFeber said due to the company's policy he could not confirm landing times or locations of upcoming testing until the plane actually arrives at its location.

“We will provide regular updates as the flight test progresses,” LaFeber said.

According to Airport Director Craig Williams, the Airport Authority has been preparing for Boeing's arrival for several months, working with the company to ensure that it has everything it needs for successful testing on their aircraft.

“There's nothing better for a customer to hear than ‘We can do that. Is there anything else we can do for you?” Williams said.

Gen Grosse, corporate account manager, said another factor that led to Boeing's decision use the airport's Defense Contractor Complex for its testing is that Million Air had opened at Yuma International Airport.

Million Air provides a variety of services for Boeing at their facilities in Victorville, CA, and Moses Lake, WA.

“Million Air has the equipment Boeing needs and Boeing knows the service they'll get is top notch, it's just what they do,” Grosse said.

In addition to the first-class facilities and customer service, Grosse said Boeing was also impressed by the support and appreciation of the community.

“The Yuma Visitors Bureau provided welcome kits for our guests that include coupons to a variety of local shops, attractions, and restaurants as well as information about our community,” Grosse said. “We want our guests to feel special so when they think of Yuma, they'll say ‘that's a great place.”

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a mid-sized, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner currently that can carry between 210 and 330 passengers depending on variant and seating configuration.

Boeing stated that it will be more fuel-efficient than earlier Boeing airliners and will be the first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction.

As much as 50 percent of the primary structure - including the fuselage and wing - on the 787 will be made of composite materials.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.