The long-awaited Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off Tuesday on its maiden flight to Tokyo, where it will be put into service by Japanese air carrier All Nippon Airways.

ANA President Shinichiro Ito took ownership of the fuel-efficient passenger jet Monday during a ceremony at the U.S. aviation giant’s factory in Everett, Washington.

The Dreamliner was initially scheduled to debut in 2008, but Boeing ran into problems with its innovative materials and design.

Ito praised Boeing officials and employees for overcoming the obstacles.

Ito will be on board for Tuesday’s maiden flight to Tokyo.

The plane will make its first commercial fight between Tokyo and Hong Kong October 26. Dreamliners will go into service on routes to Beijing and Frankfurt as the carrier receives more of the planes.

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