United Continental Holdings Inc.
/quotes/zigman/617037/quotes/nls/ual UAL
+0.71%
unveiled plans to begin flying its new Boeing Co.
/quotes/zigman/220026/quotes/nls/ba BA
+0.82%
787 Dreamliner aircraft on domestic routes in November, ahead of its international service launch.
"While the Dreamliner's superior operating economics make it ideally
suited for international routes, we're pleased to have this opportunity
to introduce it on domestic flights," scheduling Managing Director
Grant Whitney said.
United had previously revealed that its international service will
begin in December and January. The airline said it expects to take
delivery of the first five new Dreamliners this year from its total
order for 50 of these aircraft.
As the initial aircraft join the fleet, they will be based at the
Houston hub and begin flying to other domestic hubs beginning Nov. 4.
Operational problems have dogged the airline in recent months and left
its performance trailing rivals. The transition that created the
world's largest airline by traffic has triggered a succession of
teething problems as executives sought to combine computer and
reservation systems, revamp its frequent-flyer program and deliver
promised synergies.
Last month United's head, Jeff Smisek, apologized for causing customer disservice.
Continuing labor unrest has also dogged the airline, countering the
tailwind from the recent drop in fuel prices and a robust outlook for
domestic and international demand that has helped lift revenue across
the airline industry to record levels.
Recently, United reported that it had narrowed its second-quarter
profit, weighed down by one-time merger integration costs,
disappointing revenue gains and poor operational performance.
Shares closed at $18.33 Wednesday and were inactive premarket. The stock is off 24% in the past three months.
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