The Boeing 787 Gallery in Everett, Washington is where the hands shake and the eyes dazzle. The aircraft options are presented and customized here, ultimately bringing an aircraft to the skies for you to one day board. Jeremy Lindgren gives us a brief tour into what the airlines see when considering this state-of-the-art bird.
EVERETT, WASH. — Despite the thick rain and low ceilings blanketing the Puget Sound area this evening, the mood among Boeing employees at tonight’s media gallery reception was decidedly optimistic. It was a bit unclear whether or not they had been looking out the windows through the day or checking up on the weather for tomorrow, which looks decidedly not so optimistic thus far. Still, the excitement and anticipation ran strong and deep among all the attendees, who ranged from local media to airline representatives, bloggers to Boeing staff.
While partaking in some excellent light fare, attendees had the opportunity to get a glimpse at all the options Boeing could offer to a customer looking to fork out $150-250 million on a brand spanking new airplane. From bidets to crew bunks, cloth choices to the cockpit itself, one can basically customize it all in one central location after putting down some serious plastic. Boeing marketing and communications staff provided a number of informative walk through tours of each of several showrooms dedicated to, for example; seating and IFE options, safety & security, cabin design, galley options, and crew work/rest area options. Some of the seating choices were beyond spectacular, offering a personal space that was roomy, comfortable, and quiet. The mock flightdeck was also an especially impressive attraction; detailing a spacious environment with an attention to a sleek design while emphasizing work environment improvements.
As the event began to wind down a few hours later and folks began to mingle back out into the rain, the question of what will come tomorrow still hung in the cold, wet air.