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Inspecting the Dreamliner, on a promotional tour in Australia, at Melbourne International Airport, the federal Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr said the innovation embedded in the Dreamliner's wing surfaces was a great example of world-leading Australian ingenuity and research.
'New materials developed in collaboration with the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Advanced Composite Structures have integrated Australian manufacturing into global supply chains for the Dreamliner.
'Boeing Australia has been a significant contributor to and beneficiary of Australian R&D. They have worked closely with the CRC for Advanced Composite Structures, the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at Swinburne University and the CSIRO.
'The Dreamliner involves a significantly greater use of fibre composite materials compared with earlier Boeing aircraft designs,' Senator Carr said.
The Minister said the 787 Dreamliner would be the world's first commercial aircraft made mostly of composite materials, using 20 per cent less fuel per passenger than similar planes, produce fewer carbon emissions and would have quieter takeoffs and landings.
'The CRC's R&D has led to Boeing Aerostructures Australia winning billion dollar contracts to design, manufacture and export wing trailing edge devices (such as flaps, ailerons and spoilers), supporting Australian manufacturing and helping to create more jobs.'
