ANA keeps on dreaming
ANA Holdings has decided to acquire up to 20 more 787 Dreamliner airplanes. The agreement between Boeing and the Japanese group includes eleven 787-10s with a bellyhold capacity of 40 ULD, one 787-9 (36 ULD) and options for five 787-9s valued at more than USD5 billion at list prices. The airline also plans to acquire three new 787-9 from Atlantis Aviation Corporation. Once the agreements are finalised, it will be ANA's sixth order for the Dreamliner and bring their overall 787 order book to more than 100 airplanes.
ANA, which became the global launch customer of the 787 Dreamliner when it placed its initial order in 2004 sees the 787-10 as the perfect airplane to replace previous domestic 777 models (28-44 ULD) that are slated for retirement. ANA is also in the launch customer group for Boeing's new 777X. (ah)