Feature Story

United takes delivery of its first 787

First Dreamliner for a North American airline continues Boeing's historic partnership with United Airlines

United Airline's first 787 Dreamliner is signed, sealed and delivered. United is the first airline in North America to take delivery, continuing an historic partnership with Boeing that began more than 80 years ago.

In 1929 aviation pioneer William Boeing joined with Pratt and Whitney's founder Fredrick Rentschler to form an aviation holding company called United Aircraft and Transport (UATC). UATC brought together the Boeing Airplane Company, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company and a number of small airlines which together William Boeing called United Air Lines.

Soon, government restrictions on airline ownership meant Boeing and United had to part ways, but their relationship continued.

This 787 marks the first of 50 Dreamliners that United has on order. United will conduct temporary domestic flights before transitioning its 787 fleet to international service in late 2012. In March 2013, United will launch its Denver-to-Tokyo route. Customers will be more comfortable with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other features.

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Last Updated: September 24, 2012 | Comments (0)