Fly Faster On Less Fuel

Boeing and Korean Airlines announced an order for up to 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners Monday. The deal includes 10 firm orders and 10 options, and is worth about $2.6 billion at list prices. Delivery of the planes will begin in 2009 and continue through 2013.

"The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will enhance Korean Air's fleet with its flexibility for both regional and long-haul operations," said Y.H. Cho, Korean Air chairman and chief executive officer in a news release to ANN. "Our passengers will enjoy the benefits of the 787's new cabin environment and passenger amenities. The 787 will help us realize our goals of being one of the world's top ten passenger airlines by 2010 and to reduce our costs by 10 percent."

Boeing has received 203 orders and commitments from 17 customers for the 787 since launching the program less than a year ago. Korean Air will become a key partner as a launch customer. The program was launched in April 2004 with a firm order for 50 aircraft from All Nippon Airways.

"Korean Air's selection of the 787 continues the steady drumbeat of orders for this remarkable new airplane," said Larry Dickenson, vice president of Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The superior efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort of the 787 will greatly complement Korean Air's highly profitable 777 and 747 operations. Korean Air is one of the world's most progressive and vibrant carriers, and we are honored by its choice of the 787."

The 787 family of airplanes will carry 200 to 300 passengers on routes of 3,500 to 8,500 nautical miles, while using 20 percent less fuel and offering up to 45 percent more cargo capacity than comparable aircraft.

Korean Air has not announced their engine selection, but the 787 will use a standard engine interface for its two choices. Production of the aircraft will begin in 2006, with first flight in 2007. Certification, delivery and entry into service are expected in 2008.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.koreanair.com