Boeing's Dreamliner cooler than Air Force One?

By Anne Walters Feb 17, 2012, 21:12 GMT

Washington - US President Barack Obama toured Boeing's manufacturing facility outside Seattle on Friday and seemed in awe of the aerospace giant's advanced new airplane.

Obama, escorted by Boeing executives, got an up-close look at several 787 Dreamliners in production, proclaiming its windows, which darken when touched, 'spiffy.'

Addressing the plant's workers as part of his bid to promote his manufacturing policy ahead of November presidential elections, he thanked Boeing for building his plane, known as Air Force One, 25 years ago.

'But as wonderful as it is to fly Air Force One, it's hard not to be amazed by the Dreamliner,' Obama said. 'This is the first commercial airplane to be made with 50 per cent composite materials. It's lighter, faster, and more fuel efficient than any airplane in its class. Plus, it just looks cool.'

'The Dreamliner really is the plane of the future,' he said, noting it provided an example for other companies to produce their products in the United States rather than using cheaper overseas labour.

In addition to the overall assembly at the Washington state plant, Obama praised the manufacture of many of its parts elsewhere in the United States. However, the supply chain includes many international companies.

A Dreamliner made its first commercial flight last year after years of delays due to production problems and snags in the plane's worldwide network of suppliers, causing Boeing to incur lost orders and penalties from buyers.

The Obama administration's dealings with the company have drawn criticism for efforts by the National Labour Relations Board to halt a non-union plant in South Carolina in favour of unionized workers in Washington state. The sides later came to a settlement that allowed the factory to open.