Boeing and United Airlines announced yesterday the carrier is expanding its 787 "Dreamliner" fleet, exercising options to order 50 B-787/9 airplanes and securing an additional 50 options. The new order provides United additional flexibility as the airline modernizes its global fleet over the next decade.

With 150 firm orders, United has the largest Dreamliner orderbook on record and is positioned to become the largest 787 operator in the world. This announcement follows the airline's record-setting purchase of 100 B-787 airplanes last year.

As the first airline to operate all three models in the 787 family, United's existing fleet consists of more than 70 Dreamliners.

The enhanced efficiency and performance of the model reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared with the airplanes it replaces, depending on the configuration. The 787/9 has a globe-spanning range that allows carriers to fly up to 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km) while seating up to 296 passengers.

The 787 is the widebody airplane with more than 1,800 orders from 87 customers – including more than 870 repeat orders from 56 repeat customers. In the last year, customers have placed nearly 350 orders and commitments for the 787 family.

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