Boeing adds 19 Dreamliner orders at Farnborough Airshow

 

The to-do list for North Charleston airplane builders grew by 19 on the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow taking place in the United Kingdom.

Boeing and AerCap announced  July 21that the leasing industry’s biggest 787 Dreamliner customer placed a new order for 15 787-9 jets. This latest purchase increases AerCap’s 787 Dreamliner portfolio to approximately 140 airplanes.

At the same time, a new customer placed its first Dreamliner order, as Uganda Airlines joined Boeing to announce an agreement to buy four of the North Charleston-made 787s.

The agreement between Boeing and AerCap includes substitution rights for the 787-10, giving AerCap the flexibility to switch to the larger 787 Dreamliner variant that delivers more capacity and new opportunities for its airline customers, according to a news release.

“The addition of these 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes to our fleet further strengthens our position as the world’s largest owner of 787 jets,” AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said in the news release. “As demand for modern, fuel-efficient widebody airplanes continues to grow, this transaction enables us to provide our customers with greater access to one of the industry’s most versatile and sought-after airplane families. The 787 has consistently demonstrated strong operating economics and exceptional performance across a wide range of route networks.”

AerCap’s 787 Dreamliner fleet portfolio is attractive to airlines seeking to renew their fleets and achieve their sustainability goals, the company says. As the largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-10 will boost an airline’s capacity with 50 more seats than the 787-9, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces. As airlines deal with what AerCap called “near-term macro-economic uncertainties,” the company’s portfolio helps customers to grow or replace older widebody airplanes without committing to direct purchases, the release stated.

“AerCap’s continued investment in the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the airplane’s role in enabling long-haul connectivity and superior economics for airlines,” Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. “We deeply value this partnership and look forward to supporting AerCap and its customers as they open and sustain new long-haul routes to further connect the world.”

AerCap was the first lessor to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner in 2013. The 787 Dreamliner has opened more than 540 new nonstop routes between city pairs that were never previously served and carrying more than 1.3 billion passengers since entering service, according to Boeing.

Uganda Airlines is ordering four 737-8 and four 787-9 airplanes to grow and modernize its fleet. The airline’s first-ever Boeing airplane purchase will support growing demand across its regional and international network, the release stated.

“This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in our broader ambition to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for the region,” Ato Girma Wake, Uganda Airlines CEO, said in the release. “The aircraft will strengthen our ability to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets, while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.”

With a range up to 8,300 nautical miles (15,370 km), the 787-9 will support the airline’s high-demand long-haul routes to the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

“We’re pleased to welcome Uganda Airlines as a Boeing customer and support the airline’s next phase of growth with the 737-8 and 787-9,” Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, said in the release. “These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network.”

Together, the 737 MAX, which is built in Washington, and 787 Dreamliner will enable Uganda Airlines to serve more destinations while reducing fuel use by 20-25% compared to the airplanes they replace, according to the announcement.

“Just as importantly, this partnership brings together Uganda Airlines and Boeing in a long-term relationship focused not only on fleet growth, but also on technical excellence, training and capacity building,” Wake said. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone at Farnborough as we invest in the future of our national carrier and in Uganda’s economic transformation.”

The airline currently flies to 17 destinations in 13 countries from its hub in Entebbe, Uganda.

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