New version of Boeing 787 gets regulatory OK

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Boeing says that U.S. and European regulators have approved its newest and larger version of the 787 passenger jet for commercial flying.

The company says that the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is undergoing final preparation before being delivered to Air New Zealand.

The new plane is 20 feet longer and able to carry more passengers than the original 787-8. Boeing says the planes use 20 percent less fuel and produce 20 percent less emissions than other planes of the same size.

Boeing says 26 customers around the world have ordered 413 787-9 jets.

Dreamliners were grounded worldwide last year after batteries on two of the planes overheated. The planes were allowed to fly again after regulators approved a fix by Boeing.

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