Sign Up Another Dreamliner Customer For Boeing
Boeing and the United Kingdom's Monarch Airlines announced
Friday the airline has ordered six Boeing 787-8s with purchase
rights for another four. The order is worth $916 million at list
prices.
With first delivery starting in 2010, the airline will use the
new 787s for its future long-haul operations. Monarch's current
long-haul fleet comprises Boeing 767s, as well as Airbus A300s and
A330-200s.
Boeing told ANN the Dreamliner's size, extended range and
superior fuel efficiency make it ideally suited for Monarch
Airlines' business model, which includes both scheduled and charter
operations. Since its launch in April 2004, the Boeing 787
Dreamliner has attracted the attention of customers operating a
variety of business models.
"Operating successfully in the leisure market requires flexible
and innovative products. With the 787's longer-range capabilities,
we will be opening up new destinations in the Americas, Asia and
Africa," said Peter Brown, chief executive officer of Monarch
Airlines. "We are very impressed by Boeing's use of innovative
technologies on the 787, such as composite materials, which will
reduce our maintenance costs."
Monarch Airlines, headquartered in Luton, is a leading provider
in the UK of low-cost scheduled flights from bases at London
Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester and Birmingham airports, as well
as a major supplier to the tour operating industry.
"Monarch's passengers
will be thrilled with the 787's innovative and appealing interior
design, which features more personal space and a range of
enhancements that will help the airline to significantly
differentiate its product," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central
Asia. "The Dreamliner's faster cruise speed will also enable
passengers to benefit from shorter sector times on long flights.
The 787 has proven appeal to the long-haul leisure market
segment."
Boeing says the 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for delivery beginning
in 2008, will use 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly
sized airplanes, and is designed for the environment with lower
emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane,
passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage
space and improved lighting.
Since the 787 launch in April 2004, 32 customers including
Monarch have logged 420 orders and commitments, of which 377 are
firm orders valued at $59 billion at current list prices -- making
the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in
history.