Boeing, Air Berlin Announce Order for 25 787 Dreamliners

On the eve of the unveiling of the world’s newest commercial jetliner, the 787 Dreamliner, The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Air Berlin announced an order for 25 787-8 airplanes valued at $4 billion at list prices. The order is the single largest placed by any European carrier and brings the total number of 787s ordered worldwide to 677.

Air Berlin, based in Berlin, Germany, is Europe’s third largest low-fare carrier. Long focused primarily on the low-fare market, Air Berlin will add long-haul destinations, with the ultra-efficient 787 serving as the cornerstone of its twin-aisle, long-haul fleet.

Last year Air Berlin purchased German carrier dba as part of its growth plan.

“The 787 is perfectly suited for our new long-haul services,” said Joachim Hunold, chief executive officer of Air Berlin. “It is hands-down the best aircraft to deliver the optimum combination of fuel efficiency, environmental performance and passenger comfort that we need to successfully grow our business and deliver a superior product for our customers. Passengers will fall in love with this airplane. The 787’s many ground-breaking innovations make it a powerful tool for profitability.”

On top of the 25 orders, Air Berlin is securing 10 options and 15 purchase rights for additional 787s.

“Air Berlin’s order is further validation of the 787’s suitability for a broad spectrum of airline models,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "For global network and long-haul carriers, and for charter and leisure carriers and innovative low-fare carriers like Air Berlin, the 787 will be a flexible, profitable asset. The Dreamliner will be a magnificent addition to Air Berlin’s growing fleet.

“Air Berlin today is making history by placing Europe’s largest 787 order to date, and it will continue to make history as it leverages the 787’s game-changing capabilities to evolve its business model and position in the highly-competitive European market.” Air Berlin did not announce an engine supplier for its 787s.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with more efficient commercial jetliners. Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting.

The first 787 is on schedule for delivery to the first customer in May 2008. Including Air Berlin, 47 customers have ordered 677 787s, making it the most successful launch of a commercial airplane in Boeing history.