The most efficient passenger aircraft (that is wide-cabin airliner), should be the newest Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" rightfully reputed as the "The World’s Most Efficient Airliner".

The way it will achieve this is by using lightweight composites for 50% of the aircraft’s body, devoting over 15,000 hours to wind tunnel tests, maximizing the Dreamliner’s aerodynamics and resulting in subtle design improvements like the aircraft’s flared wings and sloped nose.

The 787 will use next-generation engines developed by General Electric and Rolls Royce, it will produce 20% fewer emissions and consume 20% less fuel than other comparably sized aircraft. The dreamliner assembly line is employing some innovative techniques, using larger component sections for the airframe speeds production and requires 80% fewer fasteners than before – which translates to just 10,000 holes that need to be drilled, compared to a million for a 747 jumbo jet.

Fewer parts and more efficient designs also mean 30% less maintenance is required once the aircraft enters service.

http://www.metaefficient.com/wp-content/uploads/787-full-view.jpg
Source(s):
http://www.metaefficient.com/transportation/boeing-787-worlds-efficient-air...

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