CHICAGO, 2012-11-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — United Airlines today became the first airline in North America to operate a scheduled, commercial flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, United Flight 1116, from Houston landed at O’Hare International Airport just before 10 a.m. CST.
More than 200 smiling passengers, reporters and United employees deplaned at Gate C20 in Terminal 1 at O’Hare, after a water cannon salute by the Chicago Fire Department greeted the aircraft upon landing.
United Airlines President and CEO Jeff Smisek was one of the first to step off the plane. He later thanked the teams who worked so carefully and professionally to make the Dreamliner “dream” a reality.
Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) greeted Smisek, passengers and crew members at the gate and praised the airline for today’s accomplishment.
“On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is excited that Chicago’s hometown carrier, United Airlines, brought the first Boeing 787 to O’Hare,” Andolino said. “As the first airline based in North America to operate a 787 aircraft, United can now offer more flight service options and amenities to its customers who utilize O’Hare International Airport.”
With 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 seats in United Economy, the Dreamliner will enhance the flying experience for its customers and crews while delivering operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. The aircraft provides travelers with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems.
You can take a virtual tour of United’s Boeing 787, for a detailed look at the aircraft’s unique characteristics through animated, interactive features.
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Jeff Smisek, United CEO;Rosemarie S. Andoolino, CD Commissioner