U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today regarding the first flight of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner in Everett:

“Today’s great news and successful test have been a long time coming. This test flight means we are finally at the end-game for getting the 787 certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and getting the 840 planes that have been ordered out to Boeing’s customers. The best aerospace workers in the world have risen to the challenge once again. The success of the 787 program is important to the Northwest because of the thousands of jobs it brings to our region – and today was a good day for the 787.”

According to the Boeing Company, the 787 is made of lightweight composite materials and will be quieter, produce fewer emissions and use 20 percent less fuel than comparable aircraft.

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