Boeing's extra-long 787-9 loops over Farnborough (pictures)

Boeing's 787-9, a longer version of the 787-8 Dreamliner that's already widely used, made its debut at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 14.

The 787 Dreamliner family uses more efficient engines and lighter weight to cut fuel consumption. That's important for airlines that have to deal with fuel costs and with exhaust that worsens global warming.

The Boeing 787-9 is towed out onto the tarmac.

Water vapor condenses over the wing as the Boeing 787-9 takes off.

The underside of the Boeing 787-9.

The Boeing 787-9 comes in for a landing.

The Boeing 787-9 can use either General Electric or Rolls-Royce engines. The test flown over Farnborough, the first Boeing built, comes with Rolls-Royce engines. The scalloped cowling cuts down on noise.

The Boeing 787-9 can hold up to 280 passengers. It's 20 feet longer than the 787-8, which holds 242 passengers.

The Boeing 787-9 with its landing gear down.

The Boeing 787-9 banks in front of the Farnborough sky.

A head-on view of the Boeing 787-9 banking steeply.

The Boeing 787-9 is designed to compete against midsize twin-aisle jets such as the Airbus A330.

The Boeing 787-9 lands at Farnborough -- just before surprising the crowd by taking off again immediately.

The receding tail of the Boeing 787-9.

The "001" designation by the front landing gear designates that this Boeing 787-9 is the first built. Air New Zealand will eventually refit it and put it into service.

The Boeing 787-9 shortly before its flight over Farnborough.