Scott Mayerowitz takes the first commercial flight of the Boeing 787 from Tokyo to Hong Kong on All Nippon, and writes up the experience.

I’m not really into aircraft as much as the inflight products, but I still love the upper deck (and nose) of a 747. Still, I don’t chase products, I’ve never flown on an A380 (still!). But being on board the first flight of this new long-awaited aircraft is pretty cool.

Supposedly the aircraft has more light, bigger windows, bigger overhead bins, better humidity control for passenger comfort. The bigger impact of the plane will come from its operating efficiencies that should make greater point-to-point travel for thin routes possible, e.g. Japan Airlines will be operating the aircraft from Tokyo to Boston. And one could imagine it very much fits the Continental strategy, they don’t have a ton of thin Pacific routes from Newark, but across the Atlantic they fly to most every little Hamlet in Europe. With 757s, that going Westbound in Winter often have trouble making the crossing. That’s why it’s said that Continental operates focus cities in Goose Bay and Gander, where they’re apt to refuel when headwinds are particularly acute. Continental will be getting the 787 in late 2012, as I understand..