After a years-long delay, United Airlines received its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner today in a ceremony at Everett., Wash. The airline becomes the first North American carrier to fly the long-awaited 787, the maker’s composite twin jet. Five airlines, including launch customer ANA, have already taken delivery of their first Dreamliners.
United has announced it will initially use the 787 on international routes to Africa, Asia and Europe. The airline will conduct temporary domestic flights before transitioning its 787 fleet to international service in late 2012. The delivery marks the first of 50 Dreamliners that United has on order. The airline’s 787 cabin is configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 72 seats in United Economy Plus and 111 seats in United Economy.
United’s first 787 is expected to arrive in Houston later this week to begin a month-long training and certification program including non-commercial flights to each of United’s domestic hubs.
