United Airlines Flies New 787 Dreamliner To LAX For The First Time
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — United Airlines flew its brand new 787 Dreamliner to the West Coast Friday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport for the first time.
Capt. Steve Castner and First Officer Michael McCann flew the plane from Houston.
"I think it's the highlight of our career to fly this airplane," said. "It's fantastic. It's a joy to fly."
The Dreamliner has a "heads up display," so pilots don't need to look down as much during flight.
It is called a "plastic plane" meaning 50 percent is carbon fiber, creating better fuel efficiency.
"20 percent more fuel efficiency than aircraft similar in size," Castner said.
The carbon fiber container also allows the cabin pressure to soften, which means more oxygen causing less dehydration and jet lag.
The 787 is equipped with electric seats and bigger displays on the flight deck.
The business-first class features fully reclining seats and a baby bassinette, while the cabin is filled with individual displays, bigger overhead bins and LED mood lighting.
The plane is lighter, so it flies faster. A flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, which will start in January, will be an hour shorter.
