Spain's Air Europa Orders 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Spain's Air Europa has ordered 14 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $3.6 billion at list prices.

Air Europa now has a combined total of 22 Boeing 787-8s and 787-9s on order as it continues its transition to an all-Boeing long-haul fleet.

Based at Palma de Mallorca Airport, with a key hub at Adolfo Suarez-Madrid Barajas airport, Air Europa has grown to be one of the largest airlines in Spain serving more than 40 destinations across Europe and the Americas.

"Since its beginning, Air Europa has always operated the most contemporary airplanes available to the market. With the steps we are taking, we will become an airline with the most modern fleet in the world. We have always looked for the best quality and comfort for our passengers and the Boeing 787 meets our needs because it is faster, quieter and more comfortable as well as being more efficient and more respectful to the environment," said Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa. "The first Dreamliners will start to arrive in 2016, this will allow us to grow both the number of flights and destinations we will operate to by around 50%."

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 830 kilometers (450 nautical miles).

The 787-9 also leverages the design of the 787-8, offering features such as larger windows, larger stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude and cleaner air.

Several Spanish suppliers are part of the 787 Dreamliner program, including Aciturri, ITP (through its participation in Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engine) and M. Torres, among others.