Japan Airlines celebrates Dreamliner flight

Japan Airlines has congratulated Boeing on the inaugural flight of the 787 Dreamliner.

The carrier said that it is "keenly awaiting" the delivery of the next-generation aircraft, which it will use to operate long-haul routes from Tokyo to Europe and the US, as well as services to south-east Asia.

Tokyo Haneda Airport is set to reopen in October 2010 following an expansion, which will enable it to accommodate the Dreamliner.

Japan Airlines has made 35 firm orders for the aircraft and has the option to buy a further 20.

The first 787 is set to be delivered by early 2011 and preparations are currently being made to introduce the plane into the carrier's fleet.

Boeing completed the Dreamliner's maiden flight this week, with the plane taking off from Everett, Washington at 10:27 local time on December 15th and landing in Seattle three hours later.

The manufacturer will carry out further tests around the world over the coming months, in preparation for the first delivery of the plane in the fourth quarter of 2010.

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