First United 787-9 rolled out

United's first 787-9 rolls out of Boeing's Everett factory. (Boeing) — United’s first 787-9 rolls out of Boeing’s Everett factory. (Boeing)

The first Boeing 787-9 destined for United Airlines has been rolled out of the factory in Everett, Washington.

The aircraft will be equipped with its cabin fittings and then conduct manufacturer and customer test flights, before entering service on some of the shorter routes currently flown by United’s smaller 787-8s from July. It is due to make its international long-haul debut on the Los Angeles to Melbourne sector in October.

“The 787-9 is an amazing aircraft that builds on the 787-8’s proven fuel efficiency, performance and customer comfort,” United’s vice president of fleet, Ron Baur said in a statement. “We are excited to add the 787-9 to our Dreamliner fleet as it gives us even more flexibility and range to capitalise on our extensive worldwide route network.”

United’s 787-9s will be configured with 252 seats, comprising 48 in United BusinessFirst, 88 Economy Plus seats, and 116 in economy.

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