What will be the fifth 787 delivered to United Airlines made a special appearance during President Barack Obama’s visit to Boeing’s Everett, Wash. factory on Friday, becoming the first Dreamliner to wear the complete United livery.
The President seemed to appreciate the gesture. “I notice this one is going to United — one of our outstanding carriers. And I have to mention that just because I’m from Chicago, so I’ve got to — (laughter) — give a few extra props there,” remarked Mr. Obama.
The 55th 787 to be built overall, the plane wore United titles and the globe logo on the tail. (Plus a large Boeing logo on the rear of the fuselage that probably won’t make it to the final product.) But 787s are painted later in the construction process than the stage l/n 55 has reached. While the facade looked convincing, we’re told those titles and logos were actually high quality 3M decals applied in the days leading up to the President’s arrival. Furthermore the interior that Mr. Obama tested out was installed only temporarily. Both the decals and interior were to be removed after the President’s departure.
United’s first 787, l/n 45, is expected sometime in the first half of this year.