Boeing and
Spanish carrier Air Europa have announced an order for eight Boeing 787-8
Dreamliners valued at $1.3 billion at list prices.The order, placed by Air
Europa in 2007, previously was accounted for on Boeing’s Orders &
Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer. Air Europa also acquired
purchase rights for an additional eight 787s.

  Air Europa, based in Palma de Mallorca, is the first Spanish customer
for the 787 and will be the first carrier in Spain to offer passengers the
unprecedented comfort of the 787 cabin interior while also being the first
to reduce emissions by 20 percent with the 787’s ultra fuel-efficient
carbon-composite design and all-new engines.

  “The 787 is the best solution that meets our requirements for a
superior airplane that offers better efficiency, better environmental
performance and excellent comfort for our passengers,” said Maria Jose
Hidalgo, managing director of Air Europa. “After further development of the
787 by Boeing, it became very clear to our pilots, our fleet planners and
our accountants that the 787 would deliver the best economics while also
offering superior satisfaction for our passengers. We look forward to
making history as the first Spanish airline to fly this magnificent
machine.”

  Air Europa plans to operate the 787 on its long-haul routes to
destinations such as Argentina, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

  “This decision would not have been possible without Air Europa’s
exhaustive review of the 787’s performance and the strong record of success
and partnership that Boeing shares with Air Europa,” said Marlin Dailey,
vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. “Air Europa’s fleet of Next-Generation 737s has been
tremendously successful. We look forward to continuing that record of
performance with the 787.”

  Since its launch in April 2004, the 787 has become the world’s
fastest-selling commercial airplane. Fifty-six customers worldwide have
placed 857 orders for the 787, preferring its superior efficiency,
environmental features, economics, range and passenger comfort.

  Air Europa has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine to power its
787s.

  The technologically advanced 787 Dreamliner will use 20 percent less
fuel than today’s airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to
45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with
innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity,
wider seats and aisles, larger windows, and other conveniences.

  The 787’s long range allows carriers to offer its passengers the
point-to-point service they prefer, bypassing inconvenient connections at
crowded hub airports. The 787’s first flight is scheduled for around the
end of the second quarter of 2008. Deliveries are expected to begin in
early 2009.
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