Tag Archives: 787-9 Dreamliner

First flight for the first British Airways Boeing 787-9, to be introduced on October 25

British Airways (London) has 22 216-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order. Yesterday (September 7), the first copy, the pictured 787-9 G-ZBKA (msn 38616), successfully completed its first flight from Paine Field near Everett via Moses Lake.

According to British Airways, “the Boeing 787-9 – the latest addition to the fleet – features an evolution of our First cabin, with just 8 seats compared to the usual 14, increased range and is 20 feet longer and four inches taller than the 787-8.”

The new type will be introduced on the daily London (Heathrow) (LHR) – Delhi route on October 25. The London (Heathrow) – Abu Dhabi – Muscat route will follow on November 5 per Airline Route.

The 787-9 will also be introduced from LHR to Kuala Lumpur on December 5 and Austin, Texas on February 1, 2016.

Read more on the new BA 787-9: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner G-ZBKA arrives back at Paine Field after its successful first flight on September 7.

British Airways aircraft slide show:

British Airways announces a new Boeing 787-9 route to San Jose, California

British Airways (London) has announced that it will begin service between Mineta San Jose International Airport and London Heathrow Airport from May 4, 2016. This marks the first regularly scheduled nonstop service to the UK for the city of San Jose. British Airways will operate the newest aircraft in its fleet, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s newly designed First cabin.

San Jose will be the fourth Californian city from which British Airways flies, following Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Earlier this year British Airways introduced its super jumbo Airbus A380 onto San Francisco, providing customers with comfort, space and enhanced wellbeing for their trip to London.

Flight BA279 will touch down in San Jose for the first time at 6:05 pm in the evening of May 4, 2016 and BA278 will depart San Jose at 8:00 pm the same evening, arriving into London Heathrow Terminal 5 at 2:05 pm the next day.

The airline’s 787-9 Dreamliner will accommodate eight customers in the new First cabin, 42 seats in Club World, 39 in World Traveller Plus and 127 in World Traveller. Lower pressurization means less dry cabin air, leaving customers feeling more refreshed with less jet lag while the aircraft’s smooth ride technology reduces the effect of turbulence. Soothing mood lighting in every cabin gradually adjusts to reflect the time of day and the large windows feature electronic dimming switches.

The 787-9, the first of which is due to be delivered to British Airways in September, is 20 feet longer that its 787-8 predecessor, so as well as offering World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class), there’s also room for a new First class cabin – a first for the airline’s 787 fleet.

British Airways aircraft slide show:

Norwegian to add two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 787 fleet going to 19

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Long Haul) (Oslo) has entered into an agreement for the delivery of two new 344-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This agreement means the Norwegian carrier will have a total of 19 Dreamliners in its long-haul fleet by 2018.

According to the carrier:

“Norwegian continues to build up long-haul fleet for further international growth and has entered into agreements to lease two long-haul Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The new aircraft are planned to enter service in the summer of 2017. Norwegian has currently eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in the fleet and now another 11 Dreamliner 787-9s on order. This means that the company will have a fleet of 19 long-haul aircraft of which four will be delivered in 2016, five in 2017 and two in 2018.

The aircraft are leased by the Norwegian wholly owned subsidiary Arctic Aviation Assets.

Norwegian aircraft slide show:

QANTAS to introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2017 with the first of eight aircraft

QANTAS Airways (Sydney) will enter a new era of global opportunities, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort when the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner joins the QANTAS International fleet from 2017.

The national carrier will acquire eight Boeing 787-9s to gradually replace five of its older Boeing 747-400s on QANTAS International routes and open up a range of potential new city pairs. Four Boeing 787-9s will arrive in financial year 2018 and four will arrive in financial year 2019. This will leave the QANTAS Group with its six youngest reconfigured Boeing 747-400s.

Announcing the decision after a rigorous assessment process, QANTAS confirmed it had met the strict conditions for re-investment in a new long haul fleet type:

A return to strong profitability for Qantas International in financial year 2015, with the business reporting underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax of $267 million – a turnaround of $764 million compared with financial year 2014 – and Return On Invested Capital above its cost of capital.
Net debt reduction of $1.1 billion since financial year 2013.
A competitive business case, including a new agreement with Qantas’ long-haul
pilots. This agreement incorporates a 30 per cent productivity increase.

QANTAS will retain 15 further options and 30 purchase rights for additional Boeing 787s, with significant flexibility over the timing of delivery should they be exercised.

QANTAS will work with its team of internal experts and external designers to develop worldleading cabin interiors for the new Dreamliner. This will add to the aircraft’s unique features, including improved cabin pressure, larger windows and technology to reduce turbulence.

QANTAS Boeing 787-9 Fact Sheet: CLICK HERE

Top Image: QANTAS.

Image Below: QANTAS. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight deck.

Video:

Air Canada takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Air Canada (Montreal) announced the delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (C-FNOE, msn 35265) with this statement:

Air Canada announced today it has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9, a larger version of the Dreamliner 787-8 already in its fleet that has proven extremely popular with customers with its new international product standard. The Dreamliner is the world’s most modern commercial aircraft and the larger 787-9 version’s greater range and capacity will enable Air Canada to further expand its international network.

“Air Canada is very excited to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9. This new aircraft’s larger capacity and greater range will accelerate our international expansion strategy and allow us to offer customers more non-stop services to new international destinations. Already, we have announced two new 787-9 routes to Delhi and Dubai from Toronto beginning this fall and as more of these aircraft enter the fleet we will expand our international network even further,” said Benjamin Smith , President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

The aircraft is due to arrive at Toronto Pearson this evening and the first designated routes for the Boeing 787-9 are nonstop services from Toronto to Delhi beginning November 1, 2015 and to Dubai beginning November 3, 2015 . In the interim, customers will have the opportunity to preview the new aircraft on select flights between Toronto and Vancouver during August and between Toronto and the cities of Munich and Milan during September and October. Future deployments of the 787-9 Dreamliner will be announced as new aircraft enter service.

Air Canada took delivery of its first Dreamliner in May 2014 and will receive a total of 29 new 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft by 2019, in addition to eight 787-8 aircraft already in operation. All Dreamliners will feature Air Canada’s redesigned interiors in a three-cabin configuration, including International Business with fully lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy. Air Canada’s next generation seatback in-flight entertainment system will be available throughout. The Boeing 787-9 will seat 298 passengers and have a range of 15,372 kilometres, compared with the Boeing 787-8, which is configured to carry 251 passengers with a range of 14,500 kilometers.

Photo: Air Canada. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-FNOE (msn 35265) departs from Paine Field near Everett.

Air Canada aircraft slide show:

Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Routes:

Air France-KLM’s first half loss widens, more cuts coming, KLM gives a 787-9 preview

Air France-KLM (Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines) (Paris and Amsterdam) today announced a second quarter loss of €79 million ($86.4 million), widening the first half loss.

As a result, the group stated it would cut another €300 million ($328 million) in costs. The group will continue to cut unprofitable routes.

The group announced these immediate measures:

Launch of immediate cost-saving measures
Acceleration of all cost reduction initiatives
Adjustment of Winter 2015-16 capacity

The group blamed the widening loss on increased competition and exchange rate issues.

Alexandre de Juniac made the following comments:

“In the First Half 2015, Air France-KLM’s results were characterized by exceptional volatility in exchange rates and the fuel price, and by on-going pressure on unit revenues. All the Perform 2020 cost-saving initiatives were identified and quantified, and productivity agreements have already been signed at KLM. Transavia is pursuing its rapid development and will serve 47 cities on departure from Paris this summer. The maintenance business is posting strong growth.

The lack of results improvement leads us to implement immediate additional adaptation measures including, in particular, the closure of heavily loss-making routes, the downward revision in capacity for the forthcoming Winter season, together with an acceleration and an increase in the magnitude of our cost-saving initiatives. Following the agreement signed by KLM with its unions, the rapid conclusion of the negotiations with the Air France unions is key to re-launching the results turnaround. At this pivotal moment in Air France-KLM’s history, the Board and I know that we can count on the spirit of responsibility and commitment shared by all the Group’s staff to enable us to return to a growth path.”

Read the Financial Times analysis: CLICK HERE

In other news, KLM is banking on the new Boeing 787-9 (above) to give it a financial spark and lift. The airline issued this preview of the upcoming introduction of the new type:

Image Above: KLM. The new Boeing 787-9 over Amsterdam.

For KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the introduction of the Boeing 787-9 marks the dawn of a new age for both customers and crew. With this aircraft, KLM invests more than ever in its customers and future. KLM has chosen this new aircraft type to ensure its passengers an unforgettable and comfortable journey.

“The Boeing 787-9 enables KLM to offer passengers even more comfort and privacy. KLM has chosen to add specific improvements to this special aircraft, which make it unique among other 787s. All these details add up to ensure our passengers can experience a new way to fly.”

Pieter Elbers – KLM President & CEO
Photo Above: KLM. The Boeing 787-9 WBC Seat.

Among the most important features of the Boeing 787-9 are the new World Business Class (WBC) seats, which recline completely flat and have direct access to the aisle; the Economy Class seats, which recline 40% further; a state-of-the-art Inflight Entertainment system; and Wi-Fi for all passengers who want to be online during their flight. Finally, the interiors in WBC, Economy Comfort and Economy Class create a highly hospitable setting onboard.

Lower fuel consumption

With the arrival of this new aircraft type in October 2015, KLM is adding a quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft to its fleet. The Boeing 787-9 is equipped with highly fuel-efficient engines, which will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20%.

The aircraft is part of KLM’s program of fleet investment, which began with the introduction of the new World Business Class in the Boeing 747. This was followed by entirely new World Business Class and Economy Class interiors in the Boeing 777-200 and the phased introduction of new Boeing 777-300s. From December 2015, KLM will continue its fleet renewal with the deployment of the Embraer 175 and 190.

New flight mode

The design of the interior of the aircraft creates a typically KLM mood, layout and character onboard the Boeing 787-9. The point of departure for the cabin interior was to maximise comfort and privacy for passengers, while maintaining KLM’s brand values.

Above Photo: KLM.

KLM’s Boeing 787-9 is fitted with onboard Wi-Fi. This marks the launch of KLM Wi-Fi, which was tested in earlier trials. It will now be possible to use the internet, email and other online services onboard using laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

Larger windows, a higher cabin pressure and special LED-lighting further enhance the unique flight experience. This is all aimed at ensuring passengers arrive fitter and more rested at their destinations.

Air France aircraft slide show:

KLM aircraft slide show:

British Airways to operate the Airbus A380 daily to Singapore, Miami to start on October 25

British Airways (London) will go to a daily Airbus A380 operation the London (Heathrow) – Singapore route on February 24, 2016 instead of early March, 2016. As previously reported, the Super Jumbo will also be introduced on the London (Heathrow) – Miami route on October 25.

Also on October 25, BA will introduce the new stretched Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (below) on the London (Heathrow) – Delhi route.

Image Above: British Airways.

Top Copyright Photo: AirlinersGallery.com. British Airways Airbus A380-841 G-XLEE (msn 148) taxies at the London (Heathrow) hub.

British Airways aircraft slide show:

Video: British Airways. The Airbus A380:

Air Canada gets ready for the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will increase the new Toronto-Delhi 787-9 route to daily service

Air Canada (Montreal) stated it plans to increase its new Toronto – Delhi nonstop service from four times weekly to daily service beginning on October 30, 2016.

Air Canada’s new nonstop service between Toronto and Delhi , set to be launched on November 1, 2015 with four weekly flights, is the airline’s first route to be dedicated for Boeing 787-9 series aircraft. Air Canada will receive a total of 29 new 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft by 2019, in addition to eight 787-8 aircraft already in operation, as part of the carrier’s fleet renewal and international expansion from its global hub at Toronto Pearson airport.

Photo Above: Air Canada. Mood lighting on the 787.

Top Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. AC currently operates eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners (top). The first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (C-FNOE msn 35265) is currently undergoing final testing at Boeing before the handover this month. Boeing 787-8 C-GHPY (msn 35262) arrives at the Toronto (Pearson) hub.

Chart Below: Air Canada.

Videos:

Air Canada aircraft slide show:

Norwegian to launch London Gatwick – Boston service, expands in Spain

Norwegian Air Shuttle (Norwegian Long Haul) (Oslo) has announced it will launch four weekly flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW) in May 2016.

Last month, Norwegian announced flights from Boston to Guadeloupe and Martinique, which will commence on December 3, 2015, with twice weekly service to both destinations.

Flights between Boston and London will be served by the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline will start taking delivery of the new Dreamliners in 2016, with 35 seats in Premium and 309 seats in Economy.

Norwegian currently offers 25 nonstop routes from the U.S. to London and Scandinavia with its current fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners (above), providing more European routes than any other European airline.

Service from Las Vegas will commence on October 31, 2015; service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will commence on November 1, 2015; and service from St. Croix, U.S. V.I., will commence on November 5, 2015.

Additionally, Norwegian will begin service from Boston, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and New York/JFK to Guadeloupe Islands’ Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport(PTP) and to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) on December 3, 2015.

In other news, Norwegian’s international expansion continues. For the first time the company launches domestic flights in Spain from the Spanish major cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga to the Canary Islands.

From October Norwegian will offer seven Spanish domestic routes between the mainland and Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura for a total of 56 flights a week.

From Madrid, Norwegian will fly daily Boeing 737-800 flights to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. From Barcelona it will operate several flights a week to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. From Malaga it will fly two flights a week to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Norwegian will offer 56 flights a week between the mainland and the Canary Islands starting on October 25.

Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner EI-LNB (msn 35305) with Thor Heyerdahl on the tail lands at Stockholm (Arlanda).

Norwegian aircraft slide show:

Boeing and Vietnam Airlines showcase the airline’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Washington’s Reagan National Airport

Boeing (Chicago, Seattle and Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi) celebrated a historic event today (July 6) witnessed by H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with the flag carrier’s first 787 Dreamliner serving as a backdrop.

The event was attended by more than 200 delegates, ministers and ambassadors from Vietnam and the United States, as well as local and international media, and other invited guests at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The airplane on display is scheduled to be delivered to Vietnam Airlines later this month.

At the event, the two companies also signed a memorandum of collaboration toward the goal of Vietnam Airlines’ fleet replacement and expansion. Boeing has offered the airline eight 787-10 Dreamliners and eight 777-8Xs, which the airline acknowledged. Boeing and Vietnam Airlines will work together and report to government authorities before coming to official cooperation agreements in the future.

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier of Vietnam, operates more than 360 daily flights with its young fleet of modern aircrafts. The airline, headquartered in Hanoi, will continue to expand its fleet with new and modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family. Vietnam Airlines became an official member of SkyTeam Alliance in 2010 and was the first representative of the alliance in the Southeast Asia region.

Photo: Boeing. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner N1020K (msn 35151) completes the final river approach to DCA today. The airliner will become VN-A861 on delivery.

Vietnam Airlines aircraft slide show: