United Airlines completes certification process for its 787 Dreamliner

CHICAGO, Ill. – United Airlines today announced that the company has successfully completed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process for its 787 Dreamliner.

CHICAGO, Ill. – United Airlines today announced that the company has successfully completed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process for its 787 Dreamliner. United can now begin flying the Dreamliner for passenger service, beginning with its inaugural 787 commercial flight departing Houston for Chicago Nov. 4 at 7:20 a.m. CST.

United’s first Dreamliner arrived in Houston on Sept. 28 to begin a month-long certification program that included non-commercial flights to several of United’s domestic and international stations, totaling more than 100 flight hours. During this time, the aircraft underwent a series of test scenarios, including diversions and simulated mechanical issues, in thorough preparation for service.

“I want to thank my co-workers who worked so carefully and professionally to get United certified to operate the Dreamliner,” said United’s President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smisek. “Many people from across the company put in a lot of work to help us induct and prepare to operate the 787, and I’m proud to share this important day with all of them.”

United has received two of the 50 Dreamliners it has on order.

Configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 seats in United Economy, the Dreamliner will revolutionize the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. Customers will experience greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features.

United 787 Virtual Tour

A virtual tour of United’s Dreamliner is now available through the United Hub at unitedhub.com and on the media center at unitedcontinentalholdings.com. The virtual tour provides a detailed look at the aircraft’s unique characteristics through a variety of animated, interactive features. The tour enables viewers to sample the Dreamliner’s United BusinessFirst seats, electrochromatic window shades, six styles of LED cabin lighting and more. The virtual tour also includes segments on the 787’s state-of-the-art flight deck, crew rest areas and lavatories, as well as information about the Dreamliner’s General Electric GEnx engines, wing technology and cargo capabilities. A “facts & figures” section of the tour offers a series of graphics that illustrate the Dreamliner’s capabilities and specifications.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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