Airlines Become Largest European, N. American Dreamliner Customers

Boeing continues to rack up orders for its 787 Dreamliner, which is due to be unveiled to the public in just under three months from now. On Tuesday, Boeing confirmed it received a new order for 15 787-9s from Virgin Atlantic... and Air Canada said it was more than doubling its existing order for 14 Dreamliners.

Virgin Atlantic's order -- part of an environmental partnership deal between the two sides -- marks the largest 787 order to date from a European airline. It is worth approximately $2.8 billion at list prices, according to the company, and also includes options for eight more planes, and purchase rights for another 20 frames.

"Virgin Atlantic is pleased to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as our aircraft of the future," said Steve Ridgway, chief executive officer, Virgin Atlantic. "This revolutionary aircraft will bring a step change to the industry, substantially reducing environmental impact and incorporating innovative design and advanced technology, while providing an enhanced flying experience for our passengers."

Meanwhile, in a separate announcement Air Canada told the press it plans to increase its current 14-plane 787 order to 37 frames, making the airline the largest 787 customer in North America. Local news reports state Air Canada's parent company, ACE Aviation Holdings Inc., plan to use the planes to replace the carrier's Airbus A340s and A330s, as well as its older Boeing 767 widebodies.

"The Boeing Company is delighted that Air Canada has selected additional 787 Dreamliners as part of the airlines' continuing fleet revitalization and growth," said the American planemaker. "Air Canada and Boeing are completing the arrangements pursuant to the recently concluded agreement to enable Boeing to book the airplanes and add them to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries Web site."

As part of the order, Air Canada also reportedly reduced by two its standing order for 18 Boeing 777s.

FMI: www.aircanada.com, www.virginatlantic.com, www.boeing.com