The next big thing in aviation took the skies on Tuesday, Dec. 15 – the much-anticipated 787 Dreamliner flight took off slightly before 10:30 a.m., making flight history with its inaugural flight.

The Dreamliner’s test flight was repeatedly postponed over the past two years and while it won’t officially be available for commercial aviation until late 2011, the Boeing launched its maiden voyage and the first of what will be a long process of flight testing.

Why the hype? The Dreamliner 787 is being primed as the “Rolls-Royce” of airplanes. The 787 promises more space for passengers and better engines for better fuel efficiencies, which in turn will cut down on costs. It can fly longer distances at faster speeds, and its internal design (larger windows with electric shades, and deeper overhead compartments, for example) will make the Dreamliner the world’s “most comfortable plane,” according to Boeing.

PHOTO, courtesy of Boeing
VIDEO, courtesy of CNBC