United will become the first airline in North America to operate both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants of the Dreamliner family when the airline launches 787-9 service later this month.

“We’re proud that United has become the North America launch customer for both the 787-8 and 787-9, marking another important milestone in the successful history of Boeing and United working together,” said Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Earlier this year, United announced it will fly the aircraft on what will become the longest 787 route — nonstop service between Los Angeles and Melbourne, Australia.

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 metres) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up an additional 450 nautical miles (830 kilometres) with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 per cent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes.

United operates 11 787 Dreamliners with an additional 54 on order, including the 787-10.