A few 787 updates today that are short bit.
United Airlines fly the 787 commerically for the first time since grounding.
United took two of its 787 aircraft back into the air today with flight UA1 between Houston Intercontinental and Chicago O’Hare (departing 11:00/arriving 13:20 local) – whilst a 2nd 787 flight took off as UA80 from Houston Intercontinental to Newark International (departing 11:30/arriving 15:49 local).
Currently four out of the six 787’s United have has been modified with the remaining two to be complete by 24th May.
Jeff Smisek (CEO, United), stated:
“We are delighted to have the 787 back in service,”
“It’s a terrific airplane. (But) it was a fairly expensive piece of sculpture to have on the ground.”
He says that modifications have been completed on four of the airline’s six 787s, with the remaining two scheduled to be complete by 24 May.
787’s will operate US Domestic routes from Houston IAH between its hubs – Chicago, San Francisco, Denver and Newark, with the long awaited Denver – Tokyo Narita service commencing on 10th June 2013.
LOT Polish Airlines expects 5 aircraft by August
LOT Polish Airlines is hoping that it gets up to anticipated five Boeing 787-8’s to be delivered by August to help its replacement plans.
The airline having taken delivery of its third 787 – with two more to follow.
LOT is preparing to recommence services with the class from 5th June – and will still be the European Launch customer of the 787.
Thomson Airways also lines up the 787 for launch
Charter and Leisure carrier Thomson Airways will be commencing 787 from the 8th July (a bit late from the original 1st May Launch, and the relaunch date of 1st July). This is to allow time for crew training.
Those who paid extra to fly the 787 – and are due to fly between the 1st and 7th July will get £10 refunded if in Economy, £40 if in Première (and also will be sent in a Boeing 767).
The plane will initially serve Cancun and Florida. See the Florida schedule and Cancun schedule on the Thomson site. Once more aircraft arrive, they will be deployed on the Thomson long haul holiday network.
Thomson Airways expects the first aircraft to arrive at the end of May.