Air Europa becomes first Spanish operator to fly 787 Dreamliner
Air Europa took delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner following a ceremony held at Boeing's 787 assembly site in North Charleston, South Carolina yesterday.
Air Europa leased its first 787 through an agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital. The delivery is also the first Dreamliner to SMBC Aviation Capital. The newest addition to Air Europa's fleet will touch down in Madrid on 16th March following a nonstop 4,128 miles (6,643 kilometres) delivery flight from Boeing's 787 assembly site in North Charleston, South Carolina.
"Today's delivery begins a new chapter in Air Europa's story. The state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner will provide us with significant operational advantages as we aim to expand our footprint around the globe," said Juan José Hidalgo, president, Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa. "Additionally, it is an airplane that will offer our passengers an unrivalled on-board experience, and arrive at their holiday destination feeling refreshed."
"We are honoured to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to our partners at Air Europa," said Ray Conner Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO. "This airplane is a great addition to its fleet and provides the capability to grow its long haul network to the Americas and beyond while offering superior passenger comfort."
Air Europa announced an order for 14 787-9 Dreamliners in 2015, the largest ever Boeing widebody order from a Spanish carrier. Air Europa now has a combined total of 22 787-8s and 787-9s on order as it continues its transition to an all-Boeing long-haul fleet.
Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, who attended the landmark delivery said: "We are very pleased to have concluded this delivery to Air Europa, particularly as the aircraft involved represents a significant first for both companies. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to work with Air Europa and Boeing."