OREANDA-NEWS. Boeing [NYSE: BA], Air Europa and SMBC Aviation Capital are celebrating the delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner today.

Air Europa takes delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner following a ceremony held at Boeing's 787 assembly site in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Air Europa leased its first 787 through an agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital. The delivery is also the first Dreamliner to SMBC Aviation Capital. The newest addition to Air Europa's fleet will touch down in Madrid on March 16th following a nonstop 4,128 miles (6,643 kilometres) delivery flight from Boeing's 787 assembly site in North Charleston, South Carolina.

"Today's delivery begins a new chapter in Air Europa's story. The state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner will provide us with significant operational advantages as we aim to expand our footprint around the globe," said Juan Jos? Hidalgo, president, Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa. "Additionally, it is an airplane that will offer our passengers an unrivalled on-board experience, and arrive at their holiday destination feeling refreshed."

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide Air Europa with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 to 25 percent less fuel and with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"We are honored to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to our partners at Air Europa," said Ray Conner Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO. "This airplane is a great addition to its fleet and provides the capability to grow its long haul network to the Americas and beyond while offering superior passenger comfort."

Air Europa announced an order for 14 787-9 Dreamliners in 2015, the largest ever Boeing widebody order from a Spanish carrier. 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.

Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, who attended the landmark delivery said: "We are very pleased to have concluded this delivery to Air Europa, particularly as the aircraft involved represents a significant first for both companies.  We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to work with Air Europa and Boeing."