Airline orders 18 new North Charleston-based Dreamliners

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Air Canada has selected Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner as part of an ongoing effort to modernize and grow its fleet with an order for 18 new jets and an option to purchase 12 more.

The carrier ordered 787-10 widebody Dreamliners, according to a news release. The value of the order was not disclosed.

The flag carrier of the country, Air Canada will deploy the new fuel-efficient airplanes as part of its broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions while expanding its global route network, the news release said.

"Air Canada has made investing in the passenger experience a core priority, Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, said in the release. “Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of this popular aircraft, which will premiere a new, state-of-the-art interior cabin design. As importantly, the 787 is highly fuel efficient and will generate operational savings as well as support our sustainability goals of reducing emissions.”

Reducing fuel use and improving efficiency by up to 25% compared to previous generation jets, the 787 helps advance Air Canada's environment goals over the next several decades, the release said. The efficiency of the plan helps position the airline to add international routes in new and existing markets.

"With the 787 Dreamliner family, Air Canada will soon operate one of the most modern, efficient widebody fleets in the world," Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. “The 787-10 will provide Air Canada with greater flexibility and commonality across its expansive network, connecting Canadians to destinations around the world.”                                     

Air Canada currently operates a fleet of 38 787s, including eight 787-8 and 30 787-9 jets. The largest model in the family, the 787-10, can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 6,330 nautical miles, the release said.

Canada is among Boeing's largest international supply bases with more than 550 suppliers, the release said. There are more than a dozen Canadian suppliers supporting the 787 program, including Boeing's aerospace composite manufacturing facility in Winnipeg.

Over the last year, Boeing has received more than 295 orders and commitments for 787s. The 787 program is based at Boeing’s North Charleston facility.