Boeing 787 Dreamliner claims speed, distance world records

Boeing’s fuel-efficient golden child, the 787 Dreamliner, has earned two world records for speed and distance in the airplane’s weight class (200,000 to 250,000 kg), according to the company.

The plane is claiming the distance record by flying 19,835 kilometers non-stop from Seattle to Dhaka, breaking the distance record set by an Airbus A330 in 2002 (16,903 kilometers).

CNNGo could not confirm which authority was verifying the claims at time of writing.  

After refueling, the plane continued its round-the-world journey east-bound, arriving back in Seattle on December 8 to set a brand new record for speed around the world (east-bound) of 42 hours and 27 minutes. There was no previous record holder in this category for this weight class. 

More on CNNGo: The Dreamliner 787 takes flight

The twin-engine jet airliner -- which first flew commercially last month -- crossed the Atlantic Ocean, entered European air space at Santiago, Spain, and proceeded down the Mediterranean, across Egypt to Luxor, across the Middle East and over India to Bangladesh before continuing over Singapore, the Philippines and Guam to return to the United States.

There were 13 people on board for the ride -- six pilots, an observer for the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), operations and other Boeing employees.

The plane is able to use 20 percent less fuel than similar sized aircraft due to its use of lightweight composite materials. It is also 60 percent quieter than other planes in size and capability class, according to Boeing. 

More on CNNGo: Boeing Dreamliner: How was your flight?

The Dreamliner is in the midst of a six-month tour around the world to showcase its capabilities to potential buyers.