US Senator Maria Cantwell called Tuesday's first flight of the Boeing 787 "a game changer." US Senator Patty Murray said "the sky is not only the limit, it’s often the destination.”

Senator Cantwell issued the following statement on the first test flight of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
 
“Today’s maiden flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a game changer. It marks a new level of technological excellence by combining the world’s best jet fuel efficiency with lower emissions, a more comfortable passenger experience and a quieter environment for airport communities.
 
“I want to offer a special congratulations to Boeing’s exceptionally productive and skilled work force in Washington state who made this historic first flight a reality.  Watching all their hard work take flight today is truly evidence that American workers can compete and win to build the best products in the world.
 
“The Dreamliner adds to the long list of breakthrough Boeing aircraft created in Washington, including the 707, 747 and the 777, which revolutionized commercial air travel. Thanks to composite material, the 787 will be the world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, helping both the consumer as well as the environment.”

U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement on the test flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

"I want to congratulate all of the dedicated Washington state workers who have spent so many years making today’s historic flight a reality. From the engineers who created this groundbreaking design, to the machinists who put this plane together piece by piece, everyone has had a hand in writing this new chapter in our state’s proud history of technological leadership and innovation. As today proves, when it comes to our state’s workers, the sky is not only the limit, it’s often the destination.”

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement today regarding the first flight of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner in Everett:

“Today’s great news and successful test have been a long time coming. This test flight means we are finally at the end-game for getting the 787 certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and getting the 840 planes that have been ordered out to Boeing’s customers. The best aerospace workers in the world have risen to the challenge once again. The success of the 787 program is important to the Northwest because of the thousands of jobs it brings to our region – and today was a good day for the 787.”