Working to gather more info: Boeing

The deadly crash of an Air India long-range aircraft on Thursday marks the first-ever complete loss of a Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner, shining a spotlight on the US planemaker's most advanced aircraft.

- Bloomberg

The plane, carrying 242 passengers and crew, was almost 12 years old, and the jet was powered by two General Electric Co. GEnx engines, one of two turbine options on that model. Air India had 34 787s in service at the time of the accident, which occurred shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad.

Boeing introduced the 787 more than a decade ago with several key innovations—both in terms of how the aircraft is assembled and the materials it uses. The aircraft includes lightweight composite materials that help cut fuel efficiency, and the cabin has larger luggage compartments and mood lighting. Boeing also relied on a global network of suppliers for parts. Parts of the fuselage come from Japan and Italy and wing tips come from South Korea.