Air France-KLM has completed a $6bn order for the 25 Boeing 787 and 789 Dreamliners the aircraft manufacturer announced last week without revealing the details of the buyer.
The order is part of a split order that was announced in September 2011 between Boeing and Airbus for 50 aircrafts, but Airbus has yet to have its order confirmed.
The British aerospace industry is a major contributor to the making of the Dreamliner programme. Alongside Rolls-Royce engines, 25% of the plane’s value is made in Britain.
UK participation in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner:
- Composites – GKN and Ultra Electronics at Luton and Greenford.
- Aerodynamics – QinetiQ in Farnborough
- Engine and nacelle systems – Rolls-Royce, based in Derby, and Goodrich in Wolverhampton. Elements of the fuel system are being manufactured by Eaton Aerospace in Bournemouth and Claverham in Bristol.
- Seating – B/E Aerospace in Newry and Ipeco in Southend-on-Sea.
Boeing disclosed the deal for 25 Dreamliners last week but the buyer was not named. The announcement comes after the company missed delivery targets for 2011, but maintained a strong order book.
“By making the 787 a key part of its fleet renewal, Air France-KLM strengthens its position as a worldwide leader,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“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,” he added.
The company announced on 5 January that it is increasing production rates across most of its airplane programs over the next two years. Levels of 787 production are immediately rose to 10 airplanes per month (currently at 2.5 per month).
Airbus has had more successful 2011 than its competitor and confirmed a $4 bn order from Hong Kong airlines earlier today.
