Boeing and LOT Polish Airlines have
reached an agreement for up to 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, making
LOT the first global network carrier in Europe to operate the
world's newest and most technologically advanced commercial
jetliner.
LOT will purchase seven 787-8s, take options on two and hold
purchase rights for five more 787s. Excluding options and purchase
rights, the order is worth approximately $910 million at list
prices. Deliveries begin in 2008.
"Replacing our Boeing 767s with the all-new 787 allows us to
lead with new and innovative passenger-comfort features on our
North Atlantic operations and will be key in opening new Asian
destinations," said LOT President and Chief Executive Marek
Grabarek. "The 787 fits perfectly with our cost-reduction and
profitability strategies."
Including LOT, 22 airlines have announced firm orders and
commitments for 263 Dreamliners since the airplane's launch in
April 2004. Three of those are Star Alliance members: LOT, ANA and
Air New Zealand.
The Dreamliner will use 20 percent less fuel than today's
comparable airplanes while providing airlines up to 45 percent more
cargo revenue capacity.
Passengers will notice a more spacious cabin, larger luggage
bins and larger windows. They also will benefit from higher
humidity levels and reduced dehydration, and a reduced cabin
altitude, which reduces flight fatigue. The unique high-strength,
non-corrosive qualities of the 787's composite structure make many
of these new cabin features possible.
"The 787's compelling technical merits and economics allowed LOT
's leadership to make the best decision for the airline, and its
passengers," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe
and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. " LOT will be the
first European airline to take delivery of the 787 as it continues
its proud tradition of innovation and market leadership operating
the newest, most advanced models."
The 787's range will allow LOT to reach new destinations from
Warsaw, such as Los Angeles and Bangkok. LOT, founded in 1929 and
headquartered in Warsaw, today serves 48 destinations
worldwide.
The 787 family will carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and
8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers). It allows
airlines to offer more of what passengers want: affordable,
comfortable, nonstop service to more destinations. The Dreamliner's
first flight is scheduled for 2007, with certification, delivery
and entry into service in 2008.