Deal Counted As Part Of 2007 Sales Total

Boeing and Spanish carrier Air Europa announced Tuesday an order for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners valued at $1.3 billion at list prices. The order, placed by Air Europa in 2007, was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer. Air Europa also acquired purchase rights for an additional eight 787s.

Based in Palma de Mallorca, Air Europa is the first Spanish customer for the composite-bodied 787.

"The 787 is the best solution that meets our requirements for a superior airplane that offers better efficiency, better environmental performance and excellent comfort for our passengers," said María José Hidalgo, managing director of Air Europa. "After further development of the 787 by Boeing, it became very clear to our pilots, our fleet planners and our accountants that the 787 would deliver the best economics while also offering superior satisfaction for our passengers. We look forward to making history as the first Spanish airline to fly this magnificent machine."

Air Europa plans to operate its Trent 1000-powered 787s on long-haul routes to destinations such as Argentina, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

"This decision would not have been possible without Air Europa's exhaustive review of the 787's performance and the strong record of success and partnership that Boeing shares with Air Europa," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Air Europa's fleet of Next-Generation 737s has been tremendously successful. We look forward to continuing that record of performance with the 787."

Since its launch in April 2004, the 787 has become the world's fastest-selling commercial airplane. Fifty-six customers worldwide have placed 857 orders for the 787.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.aireuropa.com