Dreamliner Helps Airlines Tap New Non-Stop Markets Globally

SINGAPORE, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- The 787 Dreamliner aircraft has opened new non-stop markets globally, says Vice-President for Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Randy Tinseth. "More than 90 new non-stop markets are connected with the 787 Dreamliners," he said at a press conference held on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2016 here Tuesday. Tinseth said the 787 Dreamliner can also be a catalyst for the airline company in tapping markets in the United States and China. "It will soon serve the longest flight from San Francisco to Singapore," he said. Citing the findings of an in-flight economy class passenger research, Tinseth said the 787 Dreamliner was the passengers' preference due to its spacious and comfortable cabin. Tinseth said the 787 Dreamliner has flown about 80.8 million passengers to date and Boeing has delivered 291 of the 787-8 aircraft and 80 787-9 aircraft. "We have currently 1,143 firm orders from 62 customers worldwide and 30 new customers in the future," he said. Last December, Boeing announced that it has detailed design for its newest and longest of three 787 jet models, the 787-10 Dreamliner, two weeks ahead of schedule. It said major assembly of the 787-10 will begin in 2016 followed by the first flight in 2017 and first delivery in 2018. The 787-10 Dreamliner, which can seat 323 passengers, has so far, received 164 orders from nine customers, accounting for 14 per cent of all 787 orders. -- BERNAMA