The Dreamliner has returned. United Airlines welcomed back its fleet of Boeing 787's with the re-launch of commercial service from the airline's hub in Houston.
United's Flight 1 took off from Houston Intercontinental at 11 a.m. and headed to Chicago O'Hare. This flight marked the return of the Dreamliner's regular service on domestic and international routes.
"The 787 offers an unmatched travel experience for our customers and co-workers, and we are thrilled to be flying it again," said Jeff Smisek , United's chairman, president and chief executive officer in a press release. "This is an exciting time at United. Our investment in the Dreamliner is just one more example of our commitment to delivering the best product, route network and customer service in the industry."
United will operate regular Dreamliner flights on routes from Houston to other domestic hubs all week. The airline will launch international 787 service on the much-anticipated Denver-Tokyo route on June 10. The airline is also planning to start 787 service on existing routes from Houston-London, Los Angeles-Tokyo, Los Angeles-Shanghai and Houston-Lagos.
United expects to take delivery of two more Dreamliners from Boeing in the second half of 2013.
All Dreamliners were grounded worldwide on January 16 after several of the planes had battery issues. The batteries burned on two planes, so Boeing had to redesign the battery system.
The Dreamliner is the first plane to use an extensive electrical system to replace hydraulics. It is composed of a carbon fiber composite structure. This special aircraft is expected to burn 20 percent less fuel. It will also offer more comfort to passengers than regular aircrafts and it is a big move for Boeing which is in competition with European plane maker Airbus.
"The 787 is not built for short flights," Bill Blocker, captain of Flight 1 told Reuters. "The composite structure makes the aircraft lighter and more fuel efficient and ... smoother ride."
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