After three years of delays, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has finally delivered its first 787 Dreamliner.
Bought by Japan’s All Nippon Airways, the jet, known as the "green plane", is built from lightweight plastic composites, which give the aircraft a much better fuel efficiency than similar-sized passenger jets. Its range is 52 per cent further than Boeing's 767.
The large, electronically controlled windows, cleaner air and balanced aircraft humidity are designed to give passengers a more comfortable flight.
The Dreamliner, which costs £129 million ($200m) to buy, has been beset by a number of setbacks, including a test flight fire in January.
The plane was officially handed over at a ceremony in Washington and will be flown to Tokyo on Tuesday. The Dreamliner is due to enter service in October.
Speaking to the BBC, Boeing vice president of marketing, Randy Tinseth, said: "This is a programme that has been a long journey. We believe it is going to be a great aeroplane.
"Ultimately we see the potential of thousands of 787 orders in the future."
The manufacturer has taken orders for 821 Dreamliners, including UK airlines Thomson Holidays and British Airways. Thomas will take delivery of the first of its 11 planes early next year, while BA is expecting the first of their batch in 2013.
Virgin Atlantic will take delivery of the first of 15 Dreamliners in 2014.
According to Boeing: "Passengers will appreciate the cleaner cabin air, higher humidity and lower cabin altitude that combine to help them feel more refreshed after flying on the 787."