Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AerCap today announced that the leasing industry’s biggest 787 Dreamliner customer placed a new order for 15 787-9 jets. This latest purchase increases AerCap’s 787 Dreamliner portfolio to approximately 140 airplanes.
The agreement includes substitution rights for the 787-10, giving AerCap the flexibility to switch to the larger 787 Dreamliner variant that delivers more capacity and new opportunities for its airline customers.
“The addition of these 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes to our fleet further strengthens our position as the world’s largest owner of 787 jets,” said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. “As demand for modern, fuel-efficient widebody airplanes continues to grow, this transaction enables us to provide our customers with greater access to one of the industry’s most versatile and sought-after airplane families. The 787 has consistently demonstrated strong operating economics and exceptional performance across a wide range of route networks.”
AerCap’s 787 Dreamliner fleet portfolio is attractive to airlines seeking to renew their fleets and achieve their sustainability goals. As the largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-10 will boost an airline’s capacity with 50 more seats than the 787-9, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces. As airlines deal with near-term macro-economic uncertainties, AerCap’s extensive portfolio helps customers to grow or replace older widebody airplanes without committing to direct purchases.
“AerCap’s continued investment in the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the airplane’s role in enabling long-haul connectivity and superior economics for airlines,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We deeply value this partnership and look forward to supporting AerCap and its customers as they open and sustain new long-haul routes to further connect the world.”
AerCap was the first lessor to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner in 2013. The 787 Dreamliner has since become the standard for new generation widebody airplanes, opening more than 540 new nonstop routes between city pairs that were never previously served and carrying more than 1.3 billion passengers since entering service.
