United Airlines has taken ownership of its first 787 Dreamliner, the first of five new aircraft to enter the carrier’s fleet this year.

Also the first of a total of 50 of the aircraft on order, United said the plane will arrive in Houston from the Boeing Field in Seattle this week where it will commence a month-long training and certification program.

After completing the training phase, the aircraft is expected to be positioned at United’s Houston hub and enter domestic services in November this year followed by international services in December.

“As the North American launch customer, we are delighted to be getting our first 787 Dreamliner," United president Jeff Smisek said.

"As we continue to build the world's leading airline, we are excited for our customers and co-workers to experience this game-changing aircraft."

United is planning to operate the aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight between Houston and Chicago on 4 November this year.

Click here to see more pictures of the United Airlines Boeing 787.