United Airlines gets 1st 787 [View all]

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By JOSHUA FREED

U.S. travelers are going to be seeing a lot more of the 787, the lightweight jet built to reduce flier fatigue and airline fuel bills.

United this week became the first U.S. airline to get the newest Boeing plane. Flights between United hubs, including Houston and Chicago, begin Nov. 4. United joins All Nippon Airways, which starts U.S. flights on Monday, and Japan Airlines, which already flies the 787 from Boston to Tokyo.

After years of delays, Boeing Co. (BA) (BA) has begun delivering a handful of 787s every month. With more than 800 sold to airlines around the world, it will eventually be a plane that travelers encounter regularly. The 787 seats 219 passengers - making it relatively small for a long-range plane but ideal on routes where it's tough to fill a larger 777.

Boeing claims the Dreamliner will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than comparable jets. And it promises a better travel experience, with more space, better lighting and carefully calibrated air pressure that should lead to fewer flier headaches.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120927/DA1IDSMG2.html

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In this undated photo provided by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the first Boeing 787 that will be used by United Airlines, is shown taking off. U.S. travelers are going to be seeing a lot more of the 787, the ultra-lightweight jet that aims to reduce flier fatigue and airline fuel bills. United announced the week ofThursday, Sept. 27, 2012, that it has become the first U.S. airline to get the newest Boeing plane, and flights from Houston to Chicago will begin November 4. The carrier joins All Nippon Airlines and Japan Airlines, who have started 787 service from U.S. cities, or will soon. (AP Photo/Boeing, Matthew Thompson)