LOT Polish Airlines is celebrating the delivery of the its first Boeing Dreamliner, with the carrier becoming the first European airline to take delivery of the 787.

Senior LOT and Boeing executives, as well as Polish and US government officials, celebrated the historic delivery at an event at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Washington, near Boeing’s 787 final assembly plant in Everett.

“This is a historic moment for LOT,” said Marcin Pirog, chief executive officer of LOT. 

“I am convinced that the addition of the Dreamliner to the fleet of one of the world’s oldest airlines is a crucial moment that will launch a new era of European aviation.

“I believe it is also the beginning of an exciting journey for LOT with the most modern passenger airplane in the world.”

LOT will operate the 787 on short-haul flights across Europe in December, and will introduce the Dreamliner on its long-haul passenger service from Warsaw to Chicago in January 2013. 

LOT will also use the 787 to operate routes from Warsaw to New York, Toronto and Beijing. 

“Today’s 787 delivery represents a very significant milestone in the partnership between Boeing and LOT Polish Airlines,” said Ray Conner, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“As LOT becomes the first European airline to operate the 787, this delivery marks the next chapter in history for both LOT and the European aviation industry.”

The 787 Dreamliner is composed of light-weight composites and features numerous systems, engine and aerodynamic advancements, making it more efficient to operate compared with its competition.

It is the first mid-sized airplane capable of flying long-range routes, providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs and enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by passengers.

This delivery is the first of eight Dreamliners that LOT has on order.