NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.,
Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/
-- Boeing [NYSE:BA], Air Lease Corp. [NYSE:AL; "ALC"], and Air
Tahiti Nui celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 787-9
Dreamliner, via lease from ALC. This is the first Boeing airplane
to join the Tahitian airline, which plans to use the longest-range
Dreamliner to replace aging A340s and connect its home base in the
South Pacific with world capitals such as Paris, Tokyo
and Los Angeles.
Air Tahiti Nui joins other carriers in the Pacific who operate
long-distance routes in switching to the super-efficient and
long-range 787-9. The airplane can fly up to 7,635 nautical miles
(14,140 km), while reducing fuel use and emissions by 20 to 25
percent compared to older airplanes.
Air Tahiti Nui configured its new Dreamliner to seat 294
passengers in three classes. The cabin features a new business
class equipped with 30 full lie-flat seats, along with 32 premium
economy seats.
"Our dream has finally become reality with the arrival of Air
Tahiti Nui's first 787-9 Dreamliner," said Michel Monvoisin, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of Air Tahiti Nui. "The Tahitian Dreamliner will make
flying to one of the world's treasures an unforgettable experience,
as we introduce new seats and a culturally inspired cabin on the
787. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, the
787 Dreamliner will guide us towards another successful 20 years
and beyond."
The airline announced in 2015 it would lease two 787s through
ALC and purchase two 787s directly from Boeing as part of its plan
to upgrade its fleet for the future.
French Polynesia President Edouard
Fritch and other government dignitaries joined the airline
in celebrating the milestone delivery at Boeing's South Carolina
Delivery Center.
"We are pleased to deliver ALC's first aircraft to Air Tahiti
Nui," said Marc Baer, Executive Vice
President of Air Lease Corporation. "The capabilities of the 787
will help enhance Air Tahiti Nui's commercial operations and will
significantly increase the efficiency of its future fleet."
"We are honored to welcome Air Tahiti Nui as a new Boeing
customer and the latest member of the 787 Dreamliner family. We are
confident the airplane's market-leading efficiency and unmatched
passenger comforts will transform the airline's operation," said
Ihssane Mounir, senior vice
president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company.
"This delivery opens a new partnership between Boeing and Air
Tahiti Nui, and demonstrates the strength of our partnership with
ALC."
More about the 787 Dreamliner
Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by
advanced GEnx engines from General Electric (GE) Aviation, the 787
Dreamliner family lowers operating costs by more than 20 percent
compared to previous airplanes, and nearly 10 percent compared to
today's competing jets.
Contact:
Kevin Yoo
International Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 206 766 2906
kevin.k.yoo@boeing.com
Torea Colas
Marketing and Communication Director
Air Tahiti Nui
+689 40 476 860
Torea.COLAS@airtahitinui.pf
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SOURCE Boeing