On Cinco de Mayo many people celebrate with food and song. What do you say, today we also celebrate a cornucopia of new possibilities for air travelers?

Think Detroit to Shanghai. Non-stop.

Northwest Airlines (NWA) just announced a significant order for the 787 Dreamliner. The order includes 18 firm 787-8s, with options and purchase rights for an additional 50 Dreamliners.

Northwest Airlines joins the Dreamliner family.

The airline will take initial delivery in August 2008, which would make Northwest the first North American carrier to put the 787 into service.

With the NWA announcement, the 787 family adds a third U.S. carrier, after previous announcements from Continental and Primaris airlines last year.

Considering all the challenges U.S. carriers have had in the past several years, these orders represent a strong commitment to the future of air travel. For airlines looking at rising fuel and other operational costs, this airplane is a clear winner. I have to believe that a big part of the remarkable appeal of the 787 is its super-efficiency. Not to mention that passengers will love it.

The Dreamliner is really going to add value to NWA hubs such as Detroit, its "WorldGateway," and will enhance a growing international route system, including Asia/Pacific and European destinations, with an economical, fuel-efficient fleet. That, of course, will mean more choice and convenience for the passenger.

So, to sum up the news so far, 20 airlines around the world have announced 255 orders and commitments for the 787 since we launched in April 2004.

ANA, Air New Zealand, Blue Panorama Airlines, First Choice Airways, Primaris Airlines, Japan Airlines, Continental Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern, Air China, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelandair, Korean Air Lines, Air Canada, Air India, Northwest Airlines.

The dream team. And counting.