Boeing and Spanish carrier Air Europa announced an order for eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners valued at US$1.3 billion at list prices. The order, placed by Air Europa in 2007, previously was accounted for on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site as an unidentified customer. Air Europa also acquired purchase rights for an additional eight 787s.

Air Europa, based in Palma de Mallorca, is the first Spanish customer for the 787 and will be the first carrier in Spain to offer passengers the unprecedented comfort of the 787 cabin interior while also being the first to reduce emissions by 20 percent with the 787's ultra fuel-efficient carbon-composite design and all-new engines.

Air Europa plans to operate the 787 on its long-haul routes to destinations such as Argentina, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Since its launch in April 2004, the 787 has become the world's fastest-selling commercial airplane. Fifty-six customers worldwide have placed 857 orders for the 787, preferring its superior efficiency, environmental features, economics, range and passenger comfort. Air Europa has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine to power its 787s.

The technologically advanced 787 Dreamliner will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows, and other conveniences.

The 787's long range allows carriers to offer its passengers the point-to-point service they prefer, bypassing inconvenient connections at crowded hub airports. The 787's first flight is scheduled for around the end of the second quarter of 2008. Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2009.