Hawaiian Airlines announced it has chosen the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as its flagship airplane for medium to long-haul flights, having ditched Airbus. The deal is valued at at $2.82 billion at list prices. Hawaiian also has purchase rights for ten more 787s.

The company selected the 787-9 as part of a competitive bid process that also included the Airbus A330-900. The carrier dropped an earlier order of Airbus  A330-800s.

The Honolulu-based airline has steadily grown its award-winning service connecting the Hawaiian Islands with Asia and North America. It will use a number of new aircraft transition support services from Boeing Global Services, including training and initial provisioning, to ensure the airplanes’ successful entry into service.

The 787-9 can carry about 290 passengers on flights of about 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km), using 20% less fuel and emitting 20% fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces, Boeing says.

“The Dreamliner’s operational efficiency and superior guest experience make it the best aircraft for modernising our fleet in 2021 and beyond,” said Peter Ingram, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Airlines. “Its expanded seat capacity and extended range will allow us to expand within our current route network and offer new destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.”

The 787 is the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing’s history.

Hawaiian expects to finalise binding purchase agreements with Boeing and GE in the second quarter of this year.

Enjoyed this post? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.