The Future of Air Travel Passenger Comfort: Plastic Composites

SEATTLE - May 27, 2010: As Memorial Day weekend and summer is nearing and vacation and travel plans are being finalized, consumers everywhere are all getting excited about upcoming trips. With the economic recovery underway, a recent study shows that 92 percent of Americans are planning on taking at least two vacations in 2010! While summer vacations are exciting, the time it takes to get there often isn't the most pleasant part.

Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner, whose anticipated launch in late 2010 is expected to revolutionize airplane travel, has found a way to actually reduce passenger fatigue and increase passenger comfort in flight - all through using innovative carbon-reinforced plastic composite materials.

The carbon-reinforced plastic composite exteriors can sustain a lower cabin pressure at higher altitudes than previously used aluminum can, and can sustain higher humidity levels, which has been shown to increase passenger comfort.

Higher ceilings and larger windows, also made possible by the carbon composite exterior, give a greater sense of welcome to the passenger. Windows, made with electrochromatic glass, can dim with the push of a button.

Boeing Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Albaugh promises that "passengers flying on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (compared to flying other aircrafts) will feel better when they land."

The use of these plastic materials also offers additional benefits:
* Lightening Up: Plastic and composite materials are expected to make up to 50% of the primary structure of the 787 - including fuselage and wings. These materials will help reduce the overall weight of the aircraft and contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption (saving costs on fuel and emissions).

* Holding Up: Plastic composite materials are also less susceptible to fatigue and corrosion, so Boeing expects the aircraft to last longer and require fewer repairs.

* Using Less: The use of composite plastic materials reduces the scrap and waste produced from working with traditional materials.

* Looking Good: Plastic and composite materials allow designers to mold shapes and styles not possible with other materials - adding to the Dreamliner's pleasant aesthetics.

We would love to provide additional details and information, or a materials expert spokesperson, about how plastic composites are giving the Dreamliner an upper hand in providing passenger comfort - which could be a key component in purchase consideration for future air travel.

For more information on how plastics are innovating transportation, please visit: http://www.plasticsmakeitpossible.com/c/today-in-plastics/cars-trucks/