The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Continental Airlines announced an order for five 787-9 Dreamliners.
SEATTLE — This order, combined with the Houston-based airline’s earlier announced orders, brings Continental’s total firm 787 order to 25 aircraft. The airline also has contracted to convert 12 previously ordered 787-8 jetliners to the larger 787-9s.
Continental was the first airline in the Americas to order the 787 Dreamliner, placing its initial order for 10 airplanes in 2004. With today’s announcement, Continental also becomes the first customer in the Americas to order the 787-9. The 787-9 (250-290 passengers) is a slightly larger version of the 787-8 (210 to 250 passengers) with increased seating and range capability (approximately 8,500 nmi versus 8,200 nmi).
„We recognized the benefits of the 787 early, and today’s order further demonstrates our confidence in Boeing and the 787 Dreamliner,“ said Continental’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner. The 787-9 is a welcome addition to the 787 family. With its increased size and range we will have the ability to serve more cities with the lowest possible cost per seat.“
„The 787 Dreamliner will enhance Continental’s fleet with both its unmatched fuel efficiency and its flexibility for both regional and long-haul operations,“ said Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales, the Americas. „Passengers will choose to fly the 787 for its advanced interior environment including higher humidity, larger windows and lower cabin altitude.“
[GADS_NEWS]Continental’s 787s will be powered by all-new fuel efficient and environmentally progressive GEnx engines developed by General Electric. Continental is scheduled to receive its first 787 in 2009.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for launch in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. Thirty-seven airlines have logged 470 orders worth more than $70 billion at current list prices since the 787 launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.
