United’s first Dreamliner touches down in Chicago

United CEO Jeff Smisek (left) looks outside after United’s inaugural revenue flight of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrived at O’Hare international Airport in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. AP/Nam Y. Huh

CHICAGO – United Airlines’ inaugural flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has touched down at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

United is the first U.S. airline to get Boeing’s newest plane. United CEO Jeff Smisek was on Sunday’s flight from Houston to Chicago and called the 787 the “world’s leading airplane.”

The Chicago Tribune reports that the landing was greeted by cheers from passengers, including some aviation enthusiasts who said they wanted to be part of a historic event.

It was a long time coming, as Boeing recently started delivering the jets after more than three years of delays.

More than 800 have been sold to airlines around the world. Boeing has said the Dreamliner will be more fuel efficient than comparable jets and more comfortable for passengers.