Boeing has finished final assembly of the first 787 to be delivered to North American launch customer United-Continental.
The carrier plans to inaugurate service with its first 787 in the second of half of 2012, and aims to take delivery of five aircraft next year, down from a previous projection of six.
During final assembly of United-Continental's first 787, the aircraft moved through four factory positions, including the final aircraft body join, landing gear installation, weight-on-wheels testing and installation of interior components and systems.
Over the next few months the aiframer will complete final cabin configuration, engine installation and painting of the aircraft.
United-Continental plans to operate its 787s with 36 "BusinessFirst" seats 63 in Economy Plus and 120 in coach.
The carrier's first route for the 787 is the Houston-Auckland pairing.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
