United Airlines Becomes North American Launch Customer for Boeing 787-10

United Airlines has increased its Boeing 787 Dreamliner order to 65 aircraft (including six previously delivered aircraft) with an order for 20 787-10s.

United ordered 10 incremental 787-10 aircraft and will convert 10 existing 787s on order to 787-10s.

United is the North American launch customer for the 787-10. Delivery of its first aircraft is scheduled for 2018.

United is currently the only U.S. airline to operate the 787. United has six new 787-8 aircraft in service and had previous orders for an additional 49 Dreamliners consisting of both the -8 and -9 variants.

The 787-10 is a stretched version of the 787-9. The 787 boasts an enhanced inflight experience over older aircraft including larger windows, larger overhead bins and lower cabin altitude with enhanced ventilation systems that help reduce the effects of jet lag.

“Advanced technology aircraft like the 787-10 are key to United’s future, enabling us to fly fuel-efficient, customer-pleasing aircraft that are the right size for many long-haul markets in our unparalleled network,” said Jeff Smisek, United’s chairman, president and CEO. “At United, we continue to modernize our fleet to operate our airline more efficiently, while improving the flight experience for our customers and work environment for our co-workers.”

The 787-10 order is the latest in United’s commitment to improve the efficiency of its fleet. In July of last year, United announced a narrowbody order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and 50 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft.

In addition, United has an order for 25 Airbus A350 aircraft and is also modernizing its United Express fleet by adding 70 76-seat Embraer aircraft that will be operated by United Express regional partners.