Dreamliner Makes Its Debut: United Airlines Switches Taipei–San Francisco Flights to 787-9

▲ United Airlines will use the renowned 787-9 Dreamliner for its Taipei–San Francisco route. (Photo / Provided by United Airlines)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Compiled from multiple sources

United Airlines announced that starting March 28, 2016, it will operate its daily nonstop Taipei–San Francisco flights with the 787-9 Dreamliner, replacing the current 777-200 aircraft.

United Airlines stated that the 787-9 aircraft features 48 business class seats and 204 economy class seats, including 88 premium economy seats. The business class offers fully flat reclining seats and personal on-demand audio and video entertainment systems with 39-centimeter touchscreens. Economy class also provides complimentary in-flight meals, beer, red and white wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and in-flight entertainment services. On the Taipei–San Francisco route, all flights are staffed with Mandarin-speaking cabin crew, feature personalized entertainment systems with Chinese interfaces, and offer meals that include Chinese cuisine.

Last year, United Airlines first deployed the Boeing 787-9 on its global routes, using the Dreamliner for its Los Angeles–Melbourne service, setting a world record for the longest 787 route at the time. Currently, United Airlines has 19 787 Dreamliners in its fleet, and expects to add another 6 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by the end of 2015.