Carrier Announces Its First Dreamliner Is Being Built

With the first customers now expecting their new Boeing 787s within days, United Continental Holdings is excited enough about the economic benefits of the plane to remind shareholders that deliveries are imminent. United announced Wednesday that the first of its Dreamliners has entered the assembly phase at Boeing's facility in Everett, Washington. In early 2012, United will be the first North American carrier to take delivery of the aircraft, the first of 50 it has on order.

The first United 787 will be configured with 36 flat-bed seats in BusinessFirst, 63 extra-legroom seats in Economy Plus and 120 seats in Economy. United says the aircraft's revolutionary cabin environment and aerodynamic design allow it to fly farther, faster and more efficiently, and that customers will experience improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, increased cabin humidity, reduced cabin pressure and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features.

"We are proud to be the first North American airline to receive the 787, which will be a game changer for the new United and the industry," said United Airlines President and CEO Jeff Smisek. "The 787 will be a very comfortable, customer pleasing aircraft, and with its range, fuel efficiency and superb operating economics, the 787 will allow us to enter new long-haul markets and also replace older, less-efficient widebody aircraft."

United Continental Holdings subsidiaries Continental and United each ordered 25 Dreamliners. The company will announce the 787 flight schedule later this year.

FMI: www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com