Boeing retires its final 787 test aircraft ZA004 after 16 years.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Boeing decommissioned its last 787-8 test aircraft, ZA004, after 16 years; the propulsion test bed is headed to storage in Marana, Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- •Boeing officially decommissioned ZA004, the final active 787-8 flight test aircraft.
- •The aircraft served as a dedicated propulsion test bed for 16 years since its 2010 debut.
- •ZA004 is transitioning to long-term storage at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona.
- •The retirement signals the completion of the original 787 Dreamliner flight test program.
Boeing retired its last 787-8 test plane. The aircraft is called ZA004. It flew for sixteen years. This marks a major milestone. The plane was a test bed. It focused on engine power systems.
A History of Flight Testing
The aircraft first flew in 2010. It was the fourth 787 built. It tested many different engine types. This included GE and Rolls-Royce models. These tests were vital for safety. The FAA oversaw these flight trials.
ZA004 helped the 787 get certified. It flew in very hot weather. It also flew in freezing cold. Engineers gathered vital flight data. This data helped all 787 planes. It made the fleet more reliable.
Heading to the Arizona Desert
The plane is going to Marana. It will rest at Pinal Airpark. This is a dry desert location. It is perfect for storing planes. The dry air prevents any rust. Many retired jets live there now.
Boeing no longer needs this aircraft. The 787-8 is now well established. Most testing is now complete. The company focuses on newer jets. This includes the upcoming 777X model.
The Impact on Global Aviation
The 787 changed how we fly. It uses less fuel than jets. It can fly very long distances. ZA004 proved these features were safe. It helped airlines like United Airlines grow.
The EASA used ZA004's test results. This allowed the plane to fly. Today many people love the Dreamliner. It has large windows and cabins. We owe this to test planes.
Key Takeaways for the Industry
- ZA004 was a propulsion-centric test bed.
- It flew for over 16 years.
- The plane is retiring in Arizona.
- Boeing is moving to new projects.
This retirement is a symbolic moment. It shows the 787 is mature. The Dream is now a reality. Thousands of flights happen every day. ZA004 started that journey years ago.
For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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