The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has said it is delighted to offer its congratulations to Boeing on a successful first flight of the 787.

Commenting on the flight IFALPA president Carlos Limon said, “We welcome the introduction of new technologies and materials and support the responsible way in which Boeing is bringing this aircraft to service as a mature product.”

He added: “Today’s flight is of course a landmark for Boeing and the 787 but it is one that is a beginning rather than an end. Our colleagues in the flight test department in Seattle have got a very busy time ahead of them as they work towards certification/”

The federation’s pilot volunteers have been involved in the design and development of the 787 at an early stage offering opinion from the pilot perspective and so we will be following the progress of the test program with keen interest.

“These links will be strengthened as IFALPA experts from the Aircraft Design & Operation Committee work with Boeing colleagues on IFALPA’s Future Flight Deck project which sets out to define the shape and style of the cockpits of the next generation of airliners” Limon said.