Boeing, First Choice Airways Sign Order for Two Additional Boeing 787s

SEATTLE, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today confirmed that UK-based carrier and integrated-tour operator First Choice Airways has ordered an additional two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with deliveries beginning in 2011. This order previously was listed on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries webpage attributed to an unidentified customer.

First Choice, the European launch customer for the 787, placed its first order for six 787s in July 2004. With today's announcement, First Choice now has eight 787s on order. Boeing will deliver First Choice's first 787 in the first quarter of 2009.

"The additional 787s are integral to providing our customers the most comfortable air-travel experience possible in an environmentally responsible way," said Chris Browne, Managing Director, First Choice Airways. "Thanks to its unique cabin environment featuring a more spacious interior, bigger windows and higher humidity, we firmly believe passengers will prefer the First Choice 787 product. From a business perspective, the 20-percent improvement in fuel efficiency will benefit our bottom line and facilitate our growth into new markets."

First Choice's 787s will be powered by all-new GEnx engines developed by General Electric.

"This follow-on order from our European launch customer First Choice speaks volumes about their belief in the exceptional benefits the 787 will bring to their passengers," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are delighted they are furthering their commitment to this innovative airplane which incorporates the most advanced materials and technologies available today to airlines around the world."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, when it enters service in 2008, will provide passengers with a better flying experience. Inside the airplane, passengers will find bigger windows and more stowage space, and experience cleaner air and a higher humidity. The improvements in cabin altitude combined with higher humidity and cleaner air create an overall improvement in passenger comfort. Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with 20 percent lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings.

As of Dec. 5, Boeing has received 458 orders and commitments for the 787 Dreamliner.