Order Includes 18 Firm 787-8s, Plus Options, Rights For 50 More

Folks who have been betting on Boeing in the latest round of the Airbus v Boeing wars have additional reason to feel good. Boeing and Northwest Airlines, Inc. have announced the airline's order for up to 68 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Northwest will use the 787 to boost operating efficiencies on its long-haul routes.

The order includes firm purchases of 18 787-8s worth, approximately $2.2 billion at list prices, plus options and purchase rights for 50 additional Dreamliners. Six airplanes will be delivered each year during 2008, 2009, and 2010. With its initial delivery in August 2008, Northwest will be the first North American carrier operating the 787.

"The Boeing 787 provides Northwest Airlines with a new-generation, long-range aircraft that will allow us to tailor our growing international route system to best address our customers' travel needs," said Doug Steenland, Northwest Airlines president and chief executive officer.

The 787's size, range, speed and operating economics make it a perfect match for Northwest's routes and fleet plans. The airplane will be 50 percent more fuel efficient per trip than the airline's current fleet of 747-200s and DC-10-30s and will substantially reduce operating and maintenance costs.

"We're thrilled to be on the Northwest team," said Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We share the airline's vision for a world of air travel where passengers can choose to go non-stop directly to their destination, safely, comfortably and affordably. Northwest's business plan will take full advantage of the tremendous range, speed, passenger comfort and economic capabilities of the 787. We look forward to working closely with the people of Northwest Airlines to bring the 787 into service."

Northwest becomes a member of the 787 Launch Team that now includes 20 airlines from around the world. Orders and commitments for the 787 since its launch last year total 255.

The Dreamliner is designed with airlines, passengers, investors and the environment in mind. It will use 20 percent less fuel than today's comparable airplanes, provide customers with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows and other conveniences. Production will begin in 2006. First flight is expected in 2007, with certification, delivery and entry into service in 2008.

787 Dreamliner Background

The 787 is a family of airplanes in the 200- to 300-seat class that will carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles. The 787 will allow airlines to offer passengers more of what they want: affordable, comfortable, non-stop, point-to-point travel to more destinations around the world. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will fly at Mach 0.85, as fast as today's fastest commercial airplanes, while using much less fuel. Production of the Dreamliner will begin in 2006.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.nwa.com