Boeing finally delivers first 787 Dreamliner to Japan’s ANA

Boeing delivered its first 787 Dreamliner to Japan's All Nippon Airways at a ceremony Monday in Everett, Washington.

ANA signed delivery documents Sunday, and plans to fly its new jet from Seattle to Tokyo on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

"Today we celebrate a significant moment in the history of flight," said Boeing chairman and chief executive James McNerney, the BBC reports.

The plane was originally scheduled for delivery in 2008, but was delayed by production and design problems, including an electrical fire during a test flight.

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McNerney thanked ANA's president and chief executive Shinichiro Ito for "waiting for this day."

Ito replied that "the road that led to today was full of great difficulties. Yet all of those challenges were overcome."

Hundreds of Boeing workers were taught how to bow in unison at the ceremony, to show respect for Ito, Reuters reports.

Airlines have ordered more than 800 of the Dreamliner. The plane is covered in lightweight carbon fiber instead of aluminum, and is expected to provide fuel savings and offer passengers greater comfort, the AP says.

The Dreamliner features higher cabin humidity, and windows that are bigger and higher, with electronic dimming replacing pull-down window shades, Reuters reports. Economy class will include a bar and female-only lavatories.

Shares of Boeing Co. rose more than 3 percent on the milestone delivery of the first 787, according to Reuters.

ANA plans to start flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Tokyo to Okayama-Hiroshima on Nov. 11, the BBC says. The first international service will be Tokyo to Frankfurt in Germany starting in January.