OREANDA-NEWS. January 22, 2016. Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Gulf Air announced the airline’s decision to convert its 16 787-8 Dreamliners on order to 787-9s as part of its long-term, twin-aisle fleet strategy and expansion.  The value of the airplanes is \\$4.2 billion at current list prices.

“I am delighted that we have arrived at mutually agreeable solutions with Boeing and can now successfully restructure our order to this larger and longer-range model of the 787s,” said Maher Salman Al Musallam, Acting CEO, Gulf Air. “This restructured order more effectively meets Gulf Air’s future fleet requirement and our network expansion plans. As a result, I now look forward to furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 Dreamliner family. With the fuselage stretched by six metres (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 can fly up to 20 percent more passengers and 23 percent more cargo farther, yet with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

 “As Gulf Air modernizes and expands its operations, Boeing is proud that the 787 Dreamliner will be an integral part of the airline’s fleet strategy and the flagship for its long-haul, international operations,” said Marty Bentrott, Vice President – Sales, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.  “The industry leading efficiencies of the 787 family will provide Gulf Air with superior fuel conservation, reliability and passenger comfort and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership.”

The 787-9 leverages the same visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as the industry’s largest windows, large overhead bins, modern LED lighting, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort as well as technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride. 

Today, more than 60 customers from across the world have placed orders for over 1,100 787s – including the Middle East - making the Dreamliner family the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.