Icelandair Orders Two Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Icelandair has ordered two Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes which the carrier will use to expand its operations on long-range routes from Iceland.

Icelandair ordered 787-8s, which will be delivered during 2010. The carrier is evaluating the two engine options, the General Electric GENX (GE Next Generation) and Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000. The order is worth $240 million at list prices.

"The 787 Dreamliner's unprecedented efficiency, economics, range and passenger comfort are ideally suited for our operations and our commitment to providing superior service to our passengers," said Hannes Smarason, chairman of the Flugleidir Icelandair Group.

Boeing now has 193 announced orders and commitments for the 787. Icelandair is the 16th airline to select the 787 in just 10 months following the Dreamliner's launch in April 2004.

"The 787's efficiencies and performance make it the perfect airplane to meet Icelandair's requirements for expanding its long-haul operations and to serve key global markets," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president for sales in Europe. "This deal extends a strong relationship between Icelandair and Boeing that goes back over 30 years."

The 787 will support Icelandair's expansion of its transfer traffic through Iceland by opening new markets in North America and elsewhere. Currently, the airline uses Iceland as a hub between six US gateway cities and 16 European destinations.

The 787's first flight is scheduled for 2007, with entry into service during 2008.

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