United Airlines to launch Dreamliner service

United Airlines has confirmed it is to launch daily, non-stop flights between its Denver hub and its hub at Tokyo Narita International Airport on March 31st 2013, subject to government approval. Eastbound service from Tokyo will begin April 1st 2013. “Our customers will enjoy the direct, non-stop service on our new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, which will provide a spectacular flying experience,” said United president Jeff Smisek. United will operate the service with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with 219 seats—36 in BusinessFirst and 183 in United Economy, including 63 Economy Plus seats with extra legroom. Customers on the flights will be able to experience the aircraft’s many passenger-friendly features including improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin pressure altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other features. United flight 123 will depart Denver daily at 11:55 and arrive in Tokyo at 15:00 the next day. Flight 122 will depart Tokyo’s Narita International Airport at 16:40 and arrive in Denver at 12:30 the same day. “Opening this next frontier of opportunity with a non-stop flight to Tokyo will create new jobs, generate more than $130 million in annual economic benefit to Colorado, and elevate Denver as a world-class city on the global stage,” said mayor Michael Hancock. “Together with many of our business and civic partners, we have worked for nearly a decade to secure this flight. Thank you to United Airlines for their commitment to the Denver market and DIA.”