United's Super-Efficient 787 Dreamliner Makes First Commercial Flight
CHICAGO (CBS)-- A new era has begun with the arrival of United's inaugural Dreamliner flight at O'Hare. WBBM NewsRadio's Steve Miller reports.
United's Dreamliner landed at O'Hare this morning: the airline's first commercial flight for the 787.
The Dreamliner taxied up to the gate in the C concourse after a trip from Houston.
Among the passengers: some aviation enthusiasts, like Thomas and Sally Lee of Orange County, California.
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"Fabulous," said Sally Lee.
"It's a terrific airplane," said her husband. "Twenty percent more fuel efficient. The first all-composite aircraft. Fantastic lighting system on board. Great windows."
"Absolutely quiet," said Sally.
"I'm holding a framed set of certificates," said Thomas. "I had the pleasure of flying on the very first flight of the 747 in January of 1970, Pan Am, New York to London. The first A380 flight, Singapore to Sydney, in October of 2007. And the very first 787 flight on Nippon Airways in October of 2011."
Thomas said he "had to add this one to the list."
United said the 787 will fly the O'Hare-to-Houston route for several months. United expects five 787s by the end of the year.
United has ordered a total of 50 Dreamliners from Boeing, which is based in Chicago - like United.
