United Airlines Unveils Temp Domestic Routes for B787 Dreamliners

United Airlines will fly its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on domestic routes starting in November 2012 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 and will enter into service according to the following schedule:

September: 1st 787 delivery

October: Proving/validation flights and training activities that allow United to meet FAA certification requirements and prepare United to become the first North American operator for this new aircraft type. 2nd 787 delivery.

November: Scheduled commercial flights from Houston to other U.S. hubs. 3rd and 4th 787 deliveries expected.

December: Scheduled commercial flights from Houston to other U.S. hubs. 5th 787 delivery expected. First international service 4 December.

January: Commencement of scheduled commercial flights on additional international routes.

United will phase in scheduled 787 service between Houston and each of its other domestic hubs beginning 4 November 2012. The schedule allows United’s 787s to operate more than 470 flight segments in the U.S. in the last two months of 2012 in addition to international flights beginning in early December.

“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,” said United’s Managing Director of Scheduling, Grant Whitney. “United customers and employees can take part in welcoming the newest member of our fleet.”

United’s 787s are configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 72 seats in United Economy Plus and 111 seats in United Economy.

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