Boeing is delivering the first of its new fuel-efficient 787 airliners to a customer after a three-year delay.

Celebrations are being held Monday at the Boeing factory in the Northwestern U.S. state of Washington, and the plane takes off Tuesday for its new home in Japan and service for All Nippon Airlines.

Boeing says the 787 is more fuel-efficient than similar sized aircraft because it is made largely of light-weight composite materials instead of aluminum.

The cabin is supposed to be more comfortable for passengers because it keeps air pressure and humidity levels closer to those experienced on the ground. The plane also boasts new engines and improved aerodynamics.

The delivery's long delay was due to problems in the new high tech materials and manufacturing issues.

Boeing is counting on the plane it calls the “Dreamliner” to help it recapture the top spot in commercial aircraft sales it lost to European rival Airbus in 2003.

The 787 is Boeing's best-selling new jet ever, with more than 800 orders on the books.