Boeing and AerCap, a global leader in aircraft leasing, are celebrating the delivery of the first 787 for Air France.
Image credit: Boeing
The delivery of the 787-9 marks a trio of milestones as it is the first to go to Air France, the 50th delivered to AerCap and the 500th 787 produced on Boeing’s production lines.
“It is with great pride and honour that Air France is taking delivery of its first Boeing 787, the 9th for Air France-KLM,” said Jean-Marc Janaillac, CEO, Air France-KLM.
“Air France’s first e-enabled aircraft, the Dreamliner, marks a new stage in the modernisation of our fleet. It will offer customers the best of Air France’s products and services.”
AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said the Air France-KLM Group has ordered a total of 18 787-9s and seven 787-10s, with an additional 12 787-9s leased through AerCap.
“We are delighted to be a part of this significant milestone for both Air France and Boeing,” Mr Kelly added.
“AerCap is the world’s largest lessor of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with over 80 aircraft owned and on order. We wish our friends and partners at Boeing and Air France continued success.”
Boeing Vice Chairman Ray Conner said the company was proud that Air France will be flying the “milestone airplane”.
“We also congratulate AerCap on its milestone 50th 787 and appreciate their continued confidence in the Dreamliner,” Mr Conner concluded.
The 787-9 offers passenger-pleasing features such as the industry’s largest windows, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, modern LED lighting, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
