Fans of the Japan’s high-tech toilets will be pleased to learn that the washlet is about to go airborne.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is planning to equip the toilets of its fleet of 50 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners with washlets. The planes are expected to go into service in 2008.
ANA’s airborne washlets are rather primitive, without the massage, deodorizing, blow dryer, auto flush, MP player, or auto lid opener capabilities of the more advanced Japanese commodes.
Thanks to Mr. Pink!
Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be produced with recent technologies. According to yesterday’s news the main sales point is carbonate fiber composite materials being used for 787 by volume 80% (by weight 50 %).
These composite materials, which will be supplied by Japanese manufacturer “Toray”, are significantly lighter and stronger than traditional aircraft materials, and make the 787 a very light aircraft for its capabilities. This enables far better saving of petrol fuel, more than 20% cost cut with the same size aircraft, and 60% cost cut with the jumbo size aircraft.
Because of the use of composites (which do not corrode), it will be higher humidity in the passenger cabin, and the internal pressure will be increased. Besides, there will be several engine noise-reducing technologies, LED cabin lighting (three color) and LCD multi-function displays on the flight deck and so on.