Feb. 25, 2010 – 1 p.m.
With Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner now in flight test, United Airlines has stepped up to order 25 of the planes at a cost of $4.2 billion, based on average list prices. The contract includes an option for ordering another 50 models of the 787 later.
Including United Airlines, 57 customers around the world have ordered 876 Dreamliners, making the 787 the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in aviation history.
United will expand its international service with the fuel-efficient Dreamliners as it begins to retire Boeing 747s and 767s on those routes, the airine announced today..
“Boeing and United Airlines share an 80-year partnership,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “United, which launched the Boeing 777, now begins a new chapter with the 787 Dreamliner, the most technologically advanced commercial jetliner ever built.”
John Tague, president of United Airlines, said the 787 order “represents a substantial investment in our future and will enhance the significant progress we are making in improving the global competitiveness of our company while providing the opportunity to open new profitable markets and serve a broader range of international destinations.”
The 787 Dreamliner, currently in flight test, will provide greater fuel efficiency, allowing airlines to add new, nonstop city pairs and the additional frequencies that passengers prefer. The new planes also will provide a more comfortable flying experience for passengers with a new interior environment , including improvements in air filtration, higher cabin pressurization resulting in reduced physical fatigue, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
