Which airline was the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s launch customer and first commercial operator?

All Nippon Airways, also known as ANA, was the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s launch customer and first commercial operator.

ANA placed the first 787 order in 2004 and received its first aircraft in September 2011. The airline operated the type’s first commercial flight on October 26, 2011, from Tokyo to Hong Kong. The introduction followed years of delays in the aircraft’s development and production.

The 787 was designed as a fuel-efficient long-range wide-body aircraft. Its extensive use of composite materials, electrically powered systems, and improved passenger-cabin environment were among the features promoted by Boeing. The aircraft family includes the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants.

Japan Airlines also became an early 787 operator, which can cause confusion because both Japanese airlines were closely associated with the aircraft’s introduction. ANA, however, was the launch customer and conducted the first commercial Dreamliner service.