Boeing finalized an order with Air France-KLM Group 25 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a contract estimated at $6 billion. The order was completed at the end of 2011, though it was preliminarily agreed in mid-September. "By making the 787 a key part of its fleet renewal, Air France-KLM strengthens its position as a worldwide leader," stated Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Jim Albaugh. "Reaction to the Dreamliner's entry into service has been phenomenal and we look forward to seeing passengers of Air France-KLM fly on this revolutionary airplane."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered commercial services in September following delays that pushed the program nearly two years beyond its original schedule. The new, wide-body twin-engine aircraft with long range has a basic carrying capacity for 210 to 330 passengers. It is a core element of Boeing’s future strategy in commercial aviation, with appeals to carriers and leasing companies based on the jet’s cost efficiency, long range, and carrying capacity.
Boeing also claims the 787 is its most fuel-efficient commercial jet, with a structure based on a large volume of composite materials helping to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% versus similar-size jets. A more advanced aerodynamic design than previous jets, more-electric systems, and modern engines add to the 787’s cost-saving appeal to airlines.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a slightly larger version that will carry 250-290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 km).
The Air France order brings the total number of 787-9s on order to 305 jets. For the entire 787 family, 860 orders have been placed by 59 commercial airlines and leasing companies.
The Air France-KLM Group has a fleet of 188 Boeing airplanes in service, including 74 for Air France and 114 for KLM.
