United becomes first U.S. airline to fly Boeing's 787 Dreamliner

CHICAGO (AP) - United Airlines' inaugural flight of Boeing's 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 Tribunereports 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, which Boeing has said will be more fuel efficient than comparable jets and more comfortable for passengers.