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  • Last test-787 decommisioned

    From Ward Dossche@2:292/854 to All on Thu Feb 19 18:46:00 2026
    Boeing has said goodbye to its last Boeing 787 Dreamliner test aircraft, marking the end of sixteen years of faithful service.

    The aircraft, registration N7874, made its final flight on February 11th, from Seattle to Marana, Arizona. There, the aircraft will continue to be used for training and development purposes. Some of the components will remain available for training and research, while others will be used as spare parts through Boeing Global Services.

    The farewell flight was conducted by Captains Heather Ross and Craig Bomben. They also flew the 787's inaugural flight in 2010. Captain Chris Caps was also on board, working on the aircraft's technical systems during the final flight. He also worked on the first flight.

    N7874 was used for sixteen years to test the Dreamliner's systems and performance. Since entering service, the aircraft has completed 670 test flights, totaling 2,250 flight hours. These flights stopped at thirty airports.

    The aircraft's retirement is due to high maintenance costs and the fact that the 787 test program has now reached a mature stage. Boeing previously retired test aircraft ZA001, ZA002, and ZA003. These have since been placed in museums.

    --- DB4 - 20230201
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)