Blue Panorama, First Choice Sign On

Boeing Wednesday confirmed that two European airlines -- Blue Panorama of Italy and Britain's First Choice Airways have selected the 7E7 Dreamliner to replace and expand their existing airplane fleets. These two carriers are the first in Europe to choose the 7E7, the world's newest, most advanced commercial jetliner.

In separate press conferences in Rome and London , the carriers announced plans to acquire a total of 10 7E7s, valued at $1.2 billion at list prices. Blue Panorama will add four 7E7s to its fleet at a value of $500 million and First Choice will receive six 7E7s. Contract negotiations are expected to conclude later this year. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2009.

"Today's announcements are ringing endorsements of the 7E7's broad appeal across a spectrum of airlines," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe , Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 7E7 has the versatility and flexibility that allows airlines that offer scheduled or leisure service, or a mix of both, to adapt to their own evolving business models and to the dynamic demands of the market."

Both carriers have selected the 7E7-8 model, with a range of 15,700 kilometers. This is 4,000 kilometers farther than today's similar-sized airplanes, which will allow 7E7 operators to economically connect hundreds of new destinations for world travelers.

Blue Panorama and First Choice are in the process of evaluating their engine options, which include the General Electric GENX (GE Next Generation) and Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000.

As these airlines join the launch team, they will be the first in Europe to benefit from the advanced economics, improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise of the 7E7. They will be the first to offer passengers a new, more comfortable flying experience, in cabins with larger windows, wider seats and wider aisles.

"Blue Panorama and First Choice will have a clear, competitive advantage over carriers operating more conventional aircraft," Dailey said

FMI: www.boeing.com