United Looks To Expand International Service With Dreamliner

Boeing and United Airlines have finalized an order for 25 787-8 jetliners. The agreement includes the opportunity to purchase another 50 Dreamliners. "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."

The order is valued at $4.2 billion at average list prices.

"United's Boeing 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," said John Tague, president of United Airlines.

United expects to take delivery of the 787s at the same time it will begin to retire its Boeing 747s and 767s operating on international routes.

The 787 Dreamliner, currently in flight test, will provide greater fuel efficiency, allowing airlines to add new, nonstop city pairs and additional frequencies. Boeing says the 787 will also provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.united.com