Boeing secures order for 15 787 Dreamliners from AerCap

AerCap, the largest owner of Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, has placed an order for an additional 15 787-9 jets.

AerCap has placed an order for 15 Boeing 787-9 jets, including substitution rights for the 787-10, providing the flexibility to switch to the larger 787 variant. The order also increases the aircraft lessor’s Dreamliner portfolio to around 140 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled through 2033.

“As demand for modern, fuel-efficient widebody airplanes continues to grow, this transaction enables us to provide our customers with greater access to one of the industry’s most versatile and sought-after airplane families,” said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap.

Kelly also referenced the “strong operating economics and exceptional performance” of the 787 across a range of route networks.

The option to switch to the larger 787 Dreamliner variant, the 787-10, will enable airlines to boost capacity by 50 seats compared with the 787-9, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25%.

AerCaps ongoing investment in the Dreamliner family will help sustain new long-haul routes

“AerCap’s continued investment in the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the airplane’s role in enabling long-haul connectivity and superior economics for airlines,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We deeply value this partnership and look forward to supporting AerCap and its customers as they open and sustain new long-haul routes to further connect the world.”

Headquartered in Dublin, but with offices in Shannon, Memphis, Singapore, Miami, London, Dubai, Shanghai and Amsterdam, AerCap currently serves around 300 customers worldwide. Edward Walsh, US Ambassador to Ireland, underlined that this latest deal with Boeing “underscores the strength of the economic relationship between the US and Ireland.”

He described the order as a “vote of confidence in US aerospace innovation” and underlined that it will support high-quality jobs across the American manufacturing sector.

“As Ambassador, one of my priorities has been to ensure that Ireland benefits from cutting-edge American products, technology and innovation. I look forward to continuing to work with AerCap to realise the potential of our relationship.”

With around 90% of AerCap’s fleet currently on lease to airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, Juneayo Airlines and Air France, the 15-jet order is a much-needed top-up for the Irish lessor’s fleet. It builds on an order placed during the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow for five 787-9s.