U.S. Regulator Approves GE-Powered 787-9 Jet

U.S. air-safety officials have approved the new version of the Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner equipped with General Electric Co. engines for commercial flights, with the first delivery of the jet expected as early as next week.

The Federal Aviation Administration certified the jet on Thursday, according to a document reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

United Continental Holdings Inc. is the launch customer for the version of the 787-9 jet powered by GEnx engines. It plans to use the jet initially on domestic routes to familiarize staff, and then on service between Los Angeles and Melbourne.

Boeing and GE didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The aircraft was initially certified in June for use with Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC engines, enabling deliveries to launch customers Air New Zealand Ltd. and All Nippon Holdings Co. Boeing sells the 787 with a choice of engines from Rolls-Royce and GE.

The stretched Dreamliner is 20 feet longer than the 787-8 and seats about 30 more passengers--between 270 and 290--for flights as far as 8,300 nautical miles, or up to 17 hours. Boeing has orders for 435 of the larger jets.

The 787-8 was first certified by the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency in August 2011, entering regularly scheduled revenue service about 2 1/2 months later.

Write to Jon Ostrower at [e-mail]

Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires