THE Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner took its first paying passengers aloft yesterday, showing off a carbon-composite design its maker says is lighter, more economical to fly and more comfortable than its metal rivals currently plying the airways.

    The special charter flight by the twin-engined jet landed in Hong Kong yesterday afternoon after a delayed takeoff from Tokyo and came after years of delays as Boeing engineers dealt with glitches and parts delays, leaving some US$16 billion of inventory at Boeing’s plants.

    Boeing’s technological flagship is little faster than the 707, the first commercial jet it built more than half a century ago. Yet the first owner of the 787, All Nippon Airways Co. (ANA), is just fine with the idea of delivering its passengers in same amount of time they always have. Instead, ANA wants to get them there cheaper and happier. (SD-Agencies)