Fly, Jet-Lag Free

Reported February 2007

SEATTLE, Wash. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Taking off on a long flight? Then you probably try things to fight jet lag. But preventing the effects of jet lag may soon be a matter of simply the plane you take off in. This new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed to make you feel more refreshed when you reach your destination.

Plenty of room and a smooth ride are key to a passenger's comfort, but with help from human factors engineers, passengers are surrounded by technologies to help them fight jet lag, like lighting to mimic sunrise and sunset. A new filtration system means cleaner air. The air will have higher humidity and lower cabin pressure, which helps passengers feel less tired after a long flight.

"The architecture is very, very open in this airplane, and that's important in making people feel comfortable and rested when they land," Boeing Engineer Kenneth Price tells Ivanhoe. "Because LED lights can do a very slow fade down into the nighttime environment and a very slow fade back to the daytime environment, passengers can fall asleep much more naturally and wake up much more naturally, which helps set their sleep cycles."

...And help make an effortless transition to their destination.

The first test flight for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is set for August 2007. It should be ready for commercial use in mid-2008. Northwest, Continental and other airlines have already ordered the planes.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

Click here to Go Inside This Science or contact:

Jennifer German
Public Information Officer
Boeing Co.
(425) 342-2902
jennifer.k.german@boeing.com

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Santa Monica, CA 90406
(310) 394-1811

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