Order Includes 18 Firm 787-8s, Plus Options, Rights For 50
More
Folks who have been
betting on Boeing in the latest round of the Airbus v Boeing wars
have additional reason to feel good. Boeing and Northwest Airlines,
Inc. have announced the airline's order for up to 68 Boeing 787
Dreamliners. Northwest will use the 787 to boost operating
efficiencies on its long-haul routes.
The order includes firm purchases of 18 787-8s worth,
approximately $2.2 billion at list prices, plus options and
purchase rights for 50 additional Dreamliners. Six airplanes will
be delivered each year during 2008, 2009, and 2010. With its
initial delivery in August 2008, Northwest will be the first North
American carrier operating the 787.
"The Boeing 787 provides Northwest Airlines with a
new-generation, long-range aircraft that will allow us to tailor
our growing international route system to best address our
customers' travel needs," said Doug Steenland, Northwest Airlines
president and chief executive officer.
The 787's size, range, speed and operating economics make it a
perfect match for Northwest's routes and fleet plans. The airplane
will be 50 percent more fuel efficient per trip than the airline's
current fleet of 747-200s and DC-10-30s and will substantially
reduce operating and maintenance costs.
"We're thrilled to be on the Northwest team," said Alan Mulally,
president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial
Airplanes. "We share the airline's vision for a world of air travel
where passengers can choose to go non-stop directly to their
destination, safely, comfortably and affordably. Northwest's
business plan will take full advantage of the tremendous range,
speed, passenger comfort and economic capabilities of the 787. We
look forward to working closely with the people of Northwest
Airlines to bring the 787 into service."
Northwest becomes a member of the 787 Launch Team that now
includes 20 airlines from around the world. Orders and commitments
for the 787 since its launch last year total 255.
The Dreamliner is designed with airlines, passengers, investors
and the environment in mind. It will use 20 percent less fuel than
today's comparable airplanes, provide customers with up to 45
percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with
innovations including a new interior environment with higher
humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows and other
conveniences. Production will begin in 2006. First flight is
expected in 2007, with certification, delivery and entry into
service in 2008.
787 Dreamliner Background
The 787 is a family of airplanes in the 200- to 300-seat class
that will carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500
nautical miles. The 787 will allow airlines to offer passengers
more of what they want: affordable, comfortable, non-stop,
point-to-point travel to more destinations around the world. In
addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787
will fly at Mach 0.85, as fast as today's fastest commercial
airplanes, while using much less fuel. Production of the Dreamliner
will begin in 2006.