United Airlines (Chicago) has announced the first international routes for the airline’s newest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. In addition to the previously-announced service from its Denver hub to Tokyo Narita, starting on March 31, 2013, the airline will operate nonstop 787 service five days a week between its Houston (Bush Intercontinental) hub and Lagos, Nigeria, beginning on January 7, 2013. United will also operate daily, nonstop 787 service between its Los Angeles hub and its Tokyo Narita hub, beginning on January 3, 2013, and Los Angeles to Shanghai, beginning on March 30, 2013.

United will also operate daily, nonstop 787 service from its Houston hub to Amsterdam and London Heathrow on a temporary basis. Houston to Amsterdam service begins on December 4, 2012, and Houston to London Heathrow service begins on February 4, 2013.

The 787 aircraft will display for sale for these routes on united.com and other distribution channels beginning on August 25, while Denver to Narita service is available for sale now.  In the near future, United will announce plans for initial domestic flying for the 787, which will precede the launch of international flights described above.

Configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 72 seats in United Economy Plus and 111 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.

Copyright Photo: United Airlines. Boeing 787-8 N20904 (msn 34824) is pictured being prepared for delivery at the Boeing facility in Everett (Paine Field).

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