Boeing Delivers First 787 Dreamliner To Saudi

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Boeing and Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national airline, Wednesday celebrated the triple delivery of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and a 777-300ER (Extended Range). "The delivery of our first Dreamliner marks yet another exciting chapter in Saudia's long-standing relationship with Boeing that began in the early 1960s," said Saudi Arabian Airlines Director-General Saleh Nasser al-Jasser. A third Dreamliner would be delivered to Saudia within the next week. The airline ordered eight 787-9s in 2010, said Boeing in a statement. "With its reputation for reliability, operational efficiency and comfort, we now look forward to the 787 becoming an integral addition to Saudia's fleet as we continue our fleet modernisation and expansion as part of our transformation plans," he said. The airline would now have 48 Boeing airplanes in its fleet that currently included the 777-200ERs, 777-300ERs and 747-400s. Over the last 55 years, Saudia had taken delivery of over 130 Boeing airplanes including 707s, 737s, MD-11Fs, DC-9s and MD90s. "This delivery to Saudia is an outstanding moment in a partnership that has grown phenomenally over the last several decades. "Today (Wednesday), we are proud not only to have Saudia join our growing base of 787 customers in the Middle East but also at the airline's continued confidence in Boeing's technology and airplanes over the years," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Conner. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings big-jet ranges and speed to the middle of the market. In response to airlines' overwhelming preference, Boeing designed the 787 family with superior efficiency which allowed airlines to profitably open new routes to fly people directly where they would like to go in exceptional comfort. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family is flying more than 350 routes and has established more than 75 new non-stop routes around the world. More than 60 customers - including Saudia - from around the world have placed orders for more than 1,000 airplanes, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing's history. -- BERNAMA