OREANDA-NEWS. Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Air Europa today announced an order for 14 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at \$3.6 billion at list prices, the largest ever Boeing widebody order from a Spanish carrier. The order was booked in December 2014 and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

Air Europa now has a combined total of 22 787-8s and 787-9s on order as it continues its transition to an all-Boeing long-haul fleet.

"Since its beginning, Air Europa has always operated the most contemporary airplanes available to the market. With the steps we are taking, we will become an airline with the most modern fleet in the world. We have always looked for the best quality and comfort for our passengers and the Boeing 787 meets our needs because it is faster, quieter and more comfortable as well as being more efficient and more respectful to the environment," said Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa, speaking at a press conference held in Madrid. "The first Dreamliners will start to arrive in 2016, this will allow us to grow both the number of flights and destinations we will operate to by around 50%."

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more passengers an additional 830 kilometers (450 nautical miles) with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

"This order speaks to the economic performance of the 787 and Air Europa's recognition of its value in meeting its operational demands to access new long-haul markets, while at the same time providing an unrivalled on-board experience for its passengers," said Ricardo Cavero, deputy vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to continuing our long standing partnership with Air Europa as it continues its transition to an all-Boeing fleet."

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

Several Spanish suppliers are part of the 787 Dreamliner program, including Aciturri, ITP (through its participation in Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engine) and M. Torres, among others.

Based at Palma de Mallorca Airport, with a key hub at Adolfo Suarez-Madrid Barajas airport, Air Europa has grown to be one of the largest airlines in Spain serving more than 40 destinations across Europe and the Americas. Throughout its history, Air Europa has operated 737s, 757s and 767s and currently has a combination of 30 Next-Generation 737-800s and 787 Dreamliners on order from Boeing.