American testing new Dreamliners in skies over West Texas

MIDLAND, Texas — Before it flies to Beijing or Buenos Aires, American Airlines pilots are testing the company's new 787 Dreamliner in West Texas.

Pilots performed touch-and-go maneuvers on the runway at Midland International Airport for a couple of hours on Monday. They conducted similar in-flight tests in El Paso hours earlier.

"It's a flight training mission today," said Matt Miller, spokesman for the Fort Worth-based airline.

So far, a few dozen American pilots are trained and certified on Boeing's newest jet, Miller added.

This flight training helps other pilots get familiar with the aircraft outside the simulator and in real world scenarios.

Miller added that American will be doing these tests often before the Dreamliner begins passenger service on May 7 on flights between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Chicago O'Hare.

AA's International 787 service begins June 2 when American will begin flying the 787 between DFW and Beijing.

Two days later, another 787 will begin international service from DFW to Buenos Aires.

American's seating layout allows for 226 passengers, with 28 in Business Class, 48 in Main Cabin Extra and 150 in the main cabin.

The aircraft is made of a composite material which makes it lighter and more fuel-efficient than most others. The 787 is also quieter than similar sized aircraft.

American is getting 12 Dreamliners this year and will have a fleet of five by June, when it begins flying overseas.

Tickets for travel aboard the new jet went on sale Feb. 14.

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