Eleven 787 Dreamliners and 50 Next-Generation 737s for TUI Group

Boeing has confirmed that the TUI Group, one of Europe's largest integrated-tourism companies, has ordered 11 787-8 Dreamliners and 50 Next-Generation 737s. The orders were previously recorded on Boeing's website as unidentified. The value of the orders is approximately US$4.7 billion at list prices. Two of the airplanes have already been delivered and identified.

"The 787's unprecedented environmental performance will make it an incredibly valuable asset as we look to reduce our carbon output," said Dr. Michael Frenzel, chairman of the TUI AG board. "The 787 will offer a 20% reduction in emissions and has a 60% smaller noise footprint for our airport communities. It is the green airplane we need for greener operations."

TUI Group has not yet announced an engine supplier for its 787s.

The group plans to put the airplanes into service with Arkefly in The Netherlands, Belgium-based Jetairfly, Thomsonfly of the United Kingdom, Germany-based TUIfly and the Scandinavian operator TUIfly Nordic. The Next-Generation 737s will be operated on short- and medium-haul routes by all TUI airlines.

All of the 737s will be fitted with advanced Blended Winglets, which reduce aerodynamic drag, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and range while reducing carbon emissions and takeoff noise.

Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, "As a company that operates throughout Europe, TUI will capture significant benefits by operating a common fleet of Next-Generation 737s and 787s across the group. The ability to move aircraft from one fleet to another to satisfy changing demands will allow TUI to be extremely nimble and flexible - a must in today's highly competitive environment. TUI can also reap the benefits of a mixed fleet flying both the 737 and the 787."

To assist TUI, Boeing is working to create a training program that will allow pilots to transition easily from one airplane type to another, so that cross-training costs are minimized and fleet efficiency is maximized.

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