United’s Dreamliner to start service domestically

United Airlines has announced plans to fly its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on domestic routes starting in November as it prepares to begin previously announced international service in December and January. United expects to take delivery of the first five new Dreamliners this year from its total order for 50 of these aircraft. As the initial aircraft are inducted into the fleet, they will be based at United’s Houston hub, with scheduled service phased in between Houston and each of its other domestic hubs beginning Nov. 4. The schedule allows United’s 787s to operate more than 470 flight segments in the US in the last two months of 2012, in addition to international flights beginning in early December. The 787 aircraft will display for sale for these domestic routes on united.com and other distribution channels beginning Sept. 1. “While the Dreamliner’s superior operating economics make it ideally suited for international routes, we’re pleased to have this opportunity to introduce it on domestic flights between many of our hub cities allowing both customers and employees to experience this revolutionary aircraft and its many unique benefits,”says United’s managing director of scheduling, Grant Whitney. The aircraft will be configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 72 seats in United Economy Plus and 111 seats in United Economy. (http://www.united.com)