Boeing and American Airlines have announced the world’s largest airline will more than double its 787 Dreamliner fleet with a new order for 47 of the super-efficient airplane.
The American carrier has also taken 28 options on further Dreamliners.
The 47 787s are valued at more than $12 billion at list prices and makes American Airlines the largest 787 customer in the western Hemisphere.
American originally ordered 42 787 Dreamliners and has been using the airplanes’ fuel efficiency and passenger amenities to open new routes around the world, including Asia Pacific and Europe, and boost its network efficiency.
While American still has more airplanes on the way from its initial order, the airline is buying the additional Dreamliners – 22 787-8s and 25 787-9s – to further modernise and expand its fleet.
“We are extremely honoured that American Airlines, is deepening its commitment to the 787 Dreamliner.
“This new order is a powerful endorsement of the 787 family’s unique passenger appeal and unmatched ability to help airlines open new routes and grow profitably,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president, Kevin McAllister.
Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the Dreamliner family lowers operating costs by more than 20 per cent compared to previous airplanes, and nearly ten per cent compared to today’s competing jets.
American becomes the latest airline to place a repeat order for the 787 Dreamliner.
More than half of the program’s 71 customers have done so, which has helped the 787 program achieve more than 1,350 orders to date.
“We are showing again and again that the 787 Dreamliner is the champion in its class.
The 787-8 Dreamliner can fly 242 passengers up to 7,355 nautical miles in a typical two-class configuration.
The 787-9, a stretch of the 787-8, can fly 290 passengers up to 7,635 nautical miles.