United takes first 787

On September 22, United Airlines took ownership of its first Boeing 787-822 Dreamliner, which was registered N20904. United is the first US-based airlines to operate the Dreamliner. United is the 6th global airline to receive the 787 and will be placed into domestic service starting in November 4  before rolling out to international service on December 4 . 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. United will take delivery of 1 more 787 in Octobers, 2 in Novmeber and 1 more in December. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. In addition to providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs, the 787 features a lot of new technologies that greatly enhance the passenger experince. This delivery marks the first of 50 Dreamliners that United has on order. The airline's 787 cabin is configured with 36 seats in United First Business Class, 72 seats in United Economy Plus Class and 111 seats in United Economy Class. Customers will be more comfortable with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitiude and enhanced ventilation systmes, among other features. United's first Dreamliner 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.