Signed, sealed and delivered, the first Boeing 787 took off from Everett, Wash., on Tuesday in the hands of launch customer All Nippon Airways.

Ramp workers cheered the takeoff at 7:15 a.m., which was about 45 minutes later than expected. The plane climbed into an overcast sky, tipped its wings and headed west to Japan.

Boeing officials handed over a ceremonial key to airline executives Monday, after a three-year delay in bringing the new wide-body jetliner to market. The plane goes into service in November in Japan.

Chicago-based Boeing says a weight savings from a high-tech plastic skin will save airlines fuel while passengers enjoy features such as bigger windows and luggage bins.

Airlines have ordered more than 800 of the planes that will compete with the Airbus A350.