Aircraft leasing company AerCap has placed a new order for 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, increasing its 787 fleet portfolio to approximately 140 aircraft, Boeing announced Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow.

AerCap, the leasing industry's largest 787 Dreamliner customer according to Boeing, has held this position since it became the first lessor to take delivery of the aircraft in 2013.

The agreement includes substitution rights for the larger 787-10 variant, giving AerCap the flexibility to switch aircraft types depending on customer demand. The 787-10 seats about 50 more passengers than the 787-9 and, according to Boeing, reduces fuel use and emissions by 25 percent compared with the aircraft it replaces.

Aengus Kelly, chief executive of AerCap, said the order reinforced the company's position in the leasing market. "The addition of these 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplanes to our fleet further strengthens our position as the world's largest owner of 787 jets," Kelly said.

"As demand for modern, fuel-efficient widebody airplanes continues to grow...the 787 has consistently demonstrated strong operating economics and exceptional performance across a wide range of route networks," Kelly added.

Boeing said AerCap's broad 787 portfolio allows airline customers to grow or replace older widebody fleets without committing to direct aircraft purchases, an option it said was particularly relevant amid near-term economic uncertainty facing carriers.

Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the order reflected the aircraft's role in supporting long-haul travel.

"AerCap's continued investment in the 787 Dreamliner family underscores the airplane's role in enabling long-haul connectivity and superior economics for airlines," he said.

Boeing said the 787 Dreamliner has opened more than 540 new nonstop routes between city pairs not previously served and has carried more than 1.3 billion passengers since entering commercial service.

AerCap, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is headquartered in Dublin and serves approximately 300 airline customers worldwide through offices including Shannon, Memphis, Miami, Singapore, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and Amsterdam.

Source: PR