United expands on Dreamliner plans / voyages

United Airlines has announced the first international routes for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

In addition to the previously-announced service from its Denver hub to Tokyo Narita, starting March 31st, 2013, the airline will operate non-stop 787 service five days a week between its Houston hub and Lagos, Nigeria, beginning January 7th next year.

United will also operate daily, nonstop 787 service between its Los Angeles hub and its Narita hub, beginning January 3rd 2013.

A Los Angeles to Shanghai service will begin on March 30th, 2013.

United will also operate daily, nonstop 787 service from its Houston hub to Amsterdam and London Heathrow on a temporary basis.

Houston to Amsterdam service begins December 4th, 2012, and Houston to London Heathrow service begins February 4th, 2013.

“The 787 is the right aircraft for these routes because of its many passenger-friendly amenities and superior operating economics,” explained United senior vice president of network, Greg Hart.

“With 50 787s on order, we look forward to the many new route opportunities that will become available to United and our customers in the future.”

Ethiopia Airlines became the latest carrier to launch the earlier this month, following JAL and All Nippon Airways, both of Japan.