Boeing and Air China have officially unveiled the airline’s first 787-9 Dreamliner to the public at a grand ceremony in Beijing.

The national flag carrier is the first airline in the country to have a 787-9 enter into service.

“The 787-9 Dreamliner employs a multitude of cutting-edge technologies best represented by its electronic handling system and wide application of composite materials,” said Captain Wang Yingnian, chief pilot of Air China.

“As such, it enjoys clear advantages such as low fuel consumption, low emission and lower noise, which are highly aligned with the green flying idea that Air China has long been an advocate of.”

This is the first of 15 Dreamliners set to join Air China’s fleet.

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family.

With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly over 40 more passengers an additional 285 nautical miles with the same exceptional environmental performance - 20 per cent less fuel use and 20 per cent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes.

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passengers features such as large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

“We believe the 787-9 will become the backbone of Air China’s international long-haul routes and will play an important role in supporting Air China’s international development strategy,” added Wang.

Air China, headquartered in Beijing, is a leading provider of passenger and cargo services in China with scheduled flight routes connecting 174 cities in 40 countries and regions.

Air China will use its 787-9s to ride on the wave of fast growing international passenger traffic by expanding its international network through non-stop point-to-point services.