Earlier this year, United announced it will fly the airplane on what will become the longest 787 route — nonstop service between Los Angeles, Calif., USA, and Melbourne, Australia.
"We're proud that United has become the North America launch customer for both the 787-8 and 787-9, marking another important milestone in the successful history of Boeing and United working together," says Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 ft/6 m over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 450 nautical miles/830 km. United operates 11 787 Dreamliners, with an additional 54 on order, including the 787-10.