Colombian Flag Carrier To Use Airplane On Routes To Europe, North America, Across South America

Boeing and Avianca celebrated the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner for the Latin American carrier, helping the airline stay at the forefront of technology in the region.

"The addition of the first Boeing 787-8 to Avianca's fleet is a milestone for commercial aviation and for our airline, which strives to bring the most advanced aviation technology to our passengers," said Avianca President and CEO Fabio Villegas Ramirez. "With this aircraft, we continue to fulfill the dream this company has had from the beginning: To make better and better connections between Latin America and the world, while giving our customers more enjoyable flights aboard airplanes designed to provide the greatest comfort along with maximum operational performance."

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 uses 20 percent less fuel and creates 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"The 787 Dreamliner, with its high efficiency, enhanced environmental performance and preferred passenger experience, is an ideal airplane for the Latin American market, and Boeing is pleased and honored that Avianca will use the 787 to modernize its fleet and delight its customers," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president, Latin America, Africa and Caribbean Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are excited to grow our partnership with Avianca for today's fleet and for the future."

Avianca's Boeing 787-8 will carry 28 passengers in business class and 222 in economy class.

To date, 58 customers have ordered 1,055 787s, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

(Image provided by Boeing)

FMI: www.boeing.com