Japan Airlines (JAL), which became the first airline in the world to take delivery of a 787 powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines in 2012, currently operates the second largest 787 Dreamliner fleet in the world, with 34 airplanes. And today, JAL announced an order for four 787-8 Dreamliners.
The carrier is expected to receive its 35th Dreamliner, a 787-9 later this week.
The new order is valued at more than $900 million at current list prices and will expand JAL's Dreamliner fleet to 49 airplanes.With this new order, Japan Airlines' 787 fleet include 29 787-8s and 20 787-9 airplanes.
"This order for additional 787 Dreamliners, is a key part of our strategy as we look to bolster our existing route network and strengthen our position ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo," said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. "The superior noise performance of the 787 will play a critical role in meeting our commitment for quieter operations within our domestic network going forward."
"We are honored to partner with Japan Airlines once again as they further expand their world-class fleet with additional 787 Dreamliners," said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "JAL has been able to successfully grow its business over the years, while generating healthy profits due to the efficiency and reliability of their 787 fleet."
The 787 Dreamliner family is being operated on more than 530 routes, with 150 brand new nonstop routes planned or in service since the airplane began commercial service in 2011. To date, 69 customers worldwide have placed orders for 1,278 airplanes, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.
