WASHINGTON - Boeing Co. said Tuesday it received orders for five additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft from Japan Airlines Corp., to bring the overall total for its new jetliner over 500.
The JAL order for five 787-8 airplanes, in addition to several orders from unidentified customers, brings the 787's order total to 514 from 43 customers since its launch in April 2004, Boeing said in a statement.
JAL's total 787 order was boosted to 35 airplanes from its previous order of 30 in December 2004.
"This is an unprecedented achievement for Boeing and yet another wonderful milestone for the 787 program," said Scott Carson, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
"We are very gratified that the 787 will play a key role in the future plans of JAL and so many other industry-leading airline customers."
The 787, said to be the fastest-selling commercial airliner in history, is to be unveiled on July 8, with its first test flight set for August and initial delivery on track for May 2008.
A number of carriers have been drawn to the new aircraft because of its improved fuel efficiency.
With a capacity of 250 to 300 passengers, the 787 has a range of up to 14,500 kilometers (7,800 nautical miles), and uses 20 percent less fuel than any other plane of its size, according to Boeing.
"Surpassing the 500 order mark this early in the program -- more than a year before the first airplane is delivered -- shows that Boeing made the right choice in our point-to-point business strategy, and that the 787 team made the right choices in designing the airplane," said Mike Bair, 787 vice president and general manager.
"This is an enormous compliment to the people around the world who are working hard to ensure we keep the promises we've made to our customers."
04/03/2007 20:29 GMT