Boeing Announces Contracts for 11 Dreamliners and 50 Next-Generation 737s

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Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Published : 17 May 2007 15:16

SEATTLE, May 16, 2007 -- Boeing has announced orders for 11 of its 787-8 Dreamliners and 50 Next-Generation 737s from TUI Group, Europe's largest integrated-tourism company. The orders were previously recorded on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website as unidentified. The value of the orders is approximately $4.7 billion at list prices. Two of the airplanes have since been delivered and identified.

New-technology benefits such as lightweight composites and innovative engine technology will allow TUI Group airlines to implement ongoing efficiency improvements.

"The 787's unprecedented environmental performance will make it an incredibly valuable asset as we look to reduce our carbon output," said Dr. Michael Frenzel, chairman of the TUI AG board. "The 787 will offer a 20 percent reduction in emissions and has a 60 percent smaller noise footprint for our airport communities. It is the green airplane we need for greener operations."

TUI Group has not announced an engine supplier for its 787s.

TUI Group plans to put the airplanes into service with Arkefly in The Netherlands, Belgium-based Jetairfly, Thomsonfly of the United Kingdom, Germany-based TUIfly, and the Scandinavian operator TUIfly Nordic. All TUI Group airlines will leverage the 787's breakthrough economics, passenger appeal, and environmental efficiency to continue and expand services within Europe and to Asia and North America.

The Next-Generation 737s will be operated on short- and medium-haul routes by all TUI airlines.

All of the 737s will be fitted with advanced Blended Winglets, which reduce aerodynamic drag, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and range while reducing carbon emissions and takeoff noise.

"Boeing is extremely proud of the partnership that exists with TUI Group," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of sales for Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As a company that operates throughout Europe, TUI will capture significant benefits by operating a common fleet of Next-Generation 737s and 787s across the group. The ability to move aircraft from one fleet to another to satisfy changing demands will allow TUI to be extremely nimble and flexible—a must in today's highly competitive environment. TUI can also reap the benefits of a mixed fleet flying both the 737 and the 787."

To assist TUI, Boeing is working to create a training program that will allow pilots to transition easily from one airplane type to another, so that cross-training costs are minimized and fleet efficiency is maximized.

The selection of the Next-Generation 737 reflects the airplane's great success with TUI Group airlines.

"TUI's order is a reaffirmation of the value that airlines derive from the 737's exceptional economics, technology, reliability, and environmental performance," Dailey said.

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.

Forty-four customers worldwide have placed 567 orders for the 787 since its launch in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the world's fastest-selling commercial airplane. The 787 enters service in 2008.

The digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically advanced airplane in the single-aisle market. With a bigger wing and more powerful engines, the 737 can fly higher, faster, and farther than previous models and its competitor.

As of April 30, Boeing had received orders for more than 3,800 Next-Generation 737s and has unfilled orders exceeding 1,500 airplanes, worth over $100 billion at current list prices.

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