Destinations Include Tokyo, Lagos, And Shanghai

United Airlines has announced the first international routes for the airline's newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In addition to the previously-announced service from its Denver hub to Tokyo Narita, starting March 31, 2013, the airline will operate nonstop 787 service five days a week between its Houston hub and Lagos, Nigeria, beginning Jan. 7, 2013. United will also operate daily, nonstop 787 service between its Los Angeles hub and its Narita hub, beginning Jan. 3, 2013, and Los Angeles to Shanghai, beginning March 30, 2013.

United will also operate daily, nonstop 787 service from its Houston hub to Amsterdam and London Heathrow on a temporary basis. Houston to Amsterdam service begins Dec. 4, 2012, and Houston to London Heathrow service begins Feb. 4, 2013.

"The 787 is the right aircraft for these routes because of its many passenger-friendly amenities and superior operating economics," United's Senior Vice President of Network, Greg Hart, said in announcing the routes Wednesday. "With 50 787s on order, we look forward to the many new route opportunities that will become available to United and our customers in the future."

The 787 aircraft will display for sale for these routes on united.com and other distribution channels beginning Aug. 25, while Denver to Narita service is available for sale now.  In the near future, United will announce plans for initial domestic flying for the 787, which will precede the launch of international flights described above.

FMI: www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com