First Choice Airways signs Contract for Four Additional 787 Dreamliners

First Choice Airways of the United Kingdom has signed a contract for an additional four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. By exercising options for these airplanes, First Choice Airways has placed a third consecutive order for the advanced-technology 787.

First Choice became European launch customer when it announced in July 2004 that it would order six 787s. It placed the order in February 2005, then followed with a second order in September 2006 for two more. Wednesday's order brings First Choice Airways' total to 12 Dreamliners, making it the largest 787 customer in Europe.

First Choice's order book of 12 787s will double its fleet by the time all the airplanes are in service.

"Having taken the decision to increase our commitment to long-haul destinations, we wanted to ensure we could do this in the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way, while offering our customers new destinations and even more comfortable travel," said Dermot Blastland, managing director of First Choice Mainstream Holidays. "When we announced our selection in 2004, we believed the new Boeing 787 would be key to achieving this. The success of our long-haul program with our upgraded Boeing 767s has given us the confidence to order 12 Boeing 787s. The 787s will offer a unique experience for our customers as we establish ourselves at the forefront of long-haul leisure travel."

First Choice Airways, a subsidiary of First Choice Holidays, has selected the all-new GEnx engines developed by General Electric to power its 787 fleet.

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