United’s first 787 Dreamliner sits at the gate in Houston during it’s proving runs last month. Photo: Doug McElroy – OPShots Contributor //
United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL) is counting on Boeing Co. (BA)’s 787 Dreamliner to deliver fuel savings and in-flight cool as the world’s largest carrier becomes the first in the U.S. to fly the composite-plastic jet.
“If you want to be the world’s leading airline, then you need the world’s leading airplane, and we have that,” Chief Executive Officer Jeff Smisek told passengers and employees in Houston before United’s 787 debuted with a flight to Chicago yesterday.
The Dreamliner has attracted notice for production delays as well as jet-lag-reducing creature comforts. The plane looms large in Chicago-based United’s efforts to boost a benchmark revenue gauge and improve operations marred by integration woes from the 2010 merger that created the airline.
“The reality is we were not reliable in June and July,” Smisek said in an interview aboard Flight 1116 en route to Chicago. “We lost some valuable customers. We’re in the process of earning them back.”
via Dreamliner Savings Meet Cabin Cool as United’s 787 Debuts – Businessweek.
