Boeing has successfully launched its much-delayed Boeing 787 Dreamliner today, amidst much fanfare and a crowd of 16,000, days after it completed its high speed runway test.

Boeing’s Dreamliner prototype ZA001 took off at exactly 10:27am local time, after a little delay, signalling the first time a plane made from some 50% composite materials was able to take to the skies.

Lasting three hours and four minutes, the first test flight comes after weeks of intensive testing and a rigorous new schedule, which saw the prototype only completing its high speed test, where the nose lifted off the ground, passed just last weekend.

Boeing Dreamliner 787 High Speed Test

Taking off from Paine Field near Boeing’s plan in Washington, the 787 Dreamliner circled around Puget Sound for its test flight.  Its original plans to fly for a maximum of five hours were contingent on good weather.

With its lightweight body, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was intended to fly with 20% less fuel on long-haul services.  This claim is currently being questioned as last minute titanium reinforcements are said to have increased the weight of the aircraft.

Much rides on the 787 for Boeing, who has 55 customers waiting on some 840 aircraft understood to be worth some US$140 billion.