787 Program Reaches 787th Order Milestone With Prominent
British Airways Order
Boeing and British Airways have finalized an order for eight
Boeing 787-8s and 16 787-9s, raising the total number of 787s
ordered worldwide from 766 to 790 and taking the 787 order book
past the 787th mark. The order is valued at $4.4 billion at list
prices. British Airways also placed options for 18 787s and
purchase rights for an additional 10.
Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, said, "The 787
is a fantastic aircraft and will be a welcome addition to our
fleet. It will provide major environmental improvements in terms of
global emissions, local air quality and noise."
"With lower operating costs and the range to fly to all our
destinations, it will give us more flexibility when planning our
route network and we are confident that our customers will enjoy
flying on the aircraft," Walsh said.
British Airways first announced its
selection of the 787 Dreamliner as a key element of its long-haul
fleet renewal last September. The carrier also announced in
September that it will power its 787s with the Rolls-Royce Trent
1000.
"This order is a vote of confidence from one of the world's
leading global network carriers in the 787's unprecedented
performance," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for
Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "No
other airplane in its category offers British Airways the superior
efficiency, economics and passenger comfort while also fitting so
easily into its medium- and long-haul twin-aisle fleet."
"Reaching the 787th order is significant for the program, and
it's great that we get to celebrate it with British Airways. Their
leadership in the industry validates our momentum in the
marketplace," said Patrick Shanahan, vice president and general
manager, 787 Program.
The 787 will help British Airways meet aggressive environmental
performance targets. It will reduce CO2 emissions and has a noise
footprint that is more than 60 percent smaller than those of
today's similarly sized airplanes.
Common elements between the 787 and British Airways' 777 flight
deck will allow for 777 pilots to train for 787 certification in
only five days. The 787 also offers more cargo-revenue capacity
than the 767 and similarly sized airplanes. With 790 orders in
three years, Boeing claims that the 787 remains the most successful
airplane launch in aviation history.
Boeing developed the 787 for the mid-sized jetliner market,
estimated at 3,500 aircraft over the next 20 years. The 787 will be
more than 50 percent advanced carbon composites which allow the
largest windows in the industry, higher cabin humidity and a lower
cabin altitude that reduces the fatigue often experienced by
passengers. High-efficiency engines combined with a lighter
airframe and improved aerodynamics mean the 787 will produce
seat-mile costs normally associated with much larger aircraft.