A Jetliner Is Designed to Fight Jet lag
By Jennifer Conlin, New York Times, 09/03/2006
Forget melatonin — the newest concept for easing jet lag is much bigger than a pill. It is Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner, which the company says is designed to help passengers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.
After conducting a battery of jet lag experiments on hundreds of people, Boeing set out to create a plane that would help combat the causes of jet lag — lighting, pressure, humidity and air quality. "The idea is that we impact the environment within the plane to make changing time zones easier," said Mike Sinnett, director of systems for Boeing's 787.
The Boeing 787, which will be tested next summer but which has already been ordered by Northwest, Continental and other airlines, has a lighting system that can mimic the colors of a sunset or sunrise within the cabin to help passengers adjust to the time of day at their destination. The windows will be electronically dimmable instead of having blinds.
Those windows also will be larger, extending well above the seat, allowing those in the middle seats a view outside. "Our research showed that people have a need to see the horizon and not feel they are flying in a tube," said Mr. Sinnett.
He said the company's research also indicated that keeping the plane at an onboard pressure of 6,000 feet, rather than 8,000 feet, gave passengers 10 percent more oxygen and made them less tired. More humidity is being added, too.
Finally, there is a gaseous filtration system to eliminate noxious compounds in products like perfumes or hairsprays that Boeing says causes the dryness and fatigue most people feel after a long flight. "We can't guarantee people won't have any jet lag," Mr. Sinnett said, "but it should be a much better experience."
The Boeing 787, which holds up to 250 passengers, uses 20 percent less fuel than other aircraft of similar size. It should be available for commercial use in mid-2008.