United Airlines has announced the first destinations to be served by its new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including the key Asian hubs of Tokyo and Shanghai.

As previously announced, the US carrier will commence the first ever direct commercial flights between Denver and Tokyo Narita airport from 31 March 2013. Also from late March next year, United will commence daily Dreamliner flights on routes between Los Angeles and both Tokyo Narita and Shanghai Pudong airports.

The first ever Dreamliner flights however, will operate daily between Houston and Amsterdam from 4 December 2012, and then five times a week between Houston and Lagos from 3 January 2013. Daily Houston-London Heathrow flights will also commence using the B787 from 4 February 2013.

“The 787 is the right aircraft for these routes because of its many passenger-friendly amenities and superior operating economics,” said United’s 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 near future.”

United’s B787 Dreamliners come configured with 219 seats – 36 in business class, 72 in premium economy and 111 in economy. Deliveries are expected to commence next month.

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