AerCap expands with 15 new aircraft. Photo: Boeing The industry's largest 787 Dreamliner leasing company has placed a new order for 15 787-9 aircraft from Boeing. The purchase increases its 787 Dreamliner fleet to approximately 140 aircraft.
The agreement includes an option to replace the aircraft ordered with the 787-10 model, giving AerCap the flexibility to transition to the larger version of the Dreamliner family, a version that provides higher passenger capacity and new opportunities for its airline customers.
It was reported that as the largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-10 model allows an airline to increase capacity by approximately 50 additional seats compared to the 787-9, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 25% compared to the aircraft it replaces.
The company notes that while airlines face economic uncertainty in the short term, AerCap's broad aircraft portfolio allows them to expand or replace older wide-body aircraft without committing to an outright purchase of new aircraft.
Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap, said: “The addition of these 15 Boeing 787 aircraft to our fleet further strengthens our position as the world's largest owner of 787 aircraft.
As demand for modern, fuel-efficient widebody aircraft continues to grow, this transaction enables us to provide our customers with greater access to one of the industry's most versatile and sought-after aircraft families, powered by the proven GEnx platform. The 787 has consistently demonstrated strong operating economics and exceptional performance across a wide range of route networks."
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “AerCap's continued investment in the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the airplane's role in enabling long-haul connectivity and superior economics for airlines. We deeply value this partnership and look forward to supporting AerCap and its customers as they open and sustain new long-haul routes to further connect the world."
Boeing said AerCap was the first leasing company to receive a 787 Dreamliner in 2013. Since then, the 787 has become the standard for next-generation wide-body aircraft, opening more than 540 new direct flight routes between previously unconnected city pairs, while flying more than 1.3 billion passengers since its entry into service.
AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and headquartered in Dublin. The company has offices in Shannon, Memphis, Miami, Singapore, London, Dubai, Shanghai, Amsterdam and other locations around the world.