United Airlines was the launch customer for the Boeing 777, entering passenger service in 1995.
United began flying the original 777-200 in scheduled passenger service on June 7, 1995, between London Heathrow and Washington Dulles. The route demonstrated the aircraft’s long-haul capability and connected two important United hubs.
The 777 was Boeing’s first commercial aircraft to use fly-by-wire controls and was developed through extensive consultation with airlines. Its twin-engine layout allowed it to carry wide-body passenger loads while benefiting from modern twin-engine operational rules.
British Airways is sometimes associated with the 777 because it was an early operator and a major customer, but United Airlines was the launch customer and the first airline to place it into passenger service.