Boeing announces 49 Dreamliner orders at Singapore Airshow

Flagship carrier Thai Airways placed an order for 45 Boeing 787 Dreamliners at the Singapore Airshow as the airline seeks to modernize and grow its widebody fleet and international network. The 787-9s support the airline’s long-term strategy to renew and expand its fleet with more efficient jets, as well as open new routes to support high demand for air travel across Southeast Asia. The Dreamliner family reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

"To accomplish our company's and the national carbon neutral goals by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, which are known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact," said Chai Eamsiri, Thai Airways CEO. "Furthermore, we are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will ultimately benefit our customers and support the growth of our country's economy."

Thai Airways flies widebody jets – including 777s and 787s – to nearly 60 domestic and international destinations.

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said, "This order will support Thai Airways' ability to meet demand, foster tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for this carrier."

The order, finalized in December 2023, was listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website. Boeing's 2023 Commercial Market Outlook for Southeast Asia projects that the region's widebody fleet will see a three-fold increase over 20 years, with growing demand for nearly 800 airplanes including passenger jets such as Boeing's 787 Dreamliner family and 777X, as well as freighter models.

At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 will enable Thai Airways to fly nearly 20% more passengers farther and build on routes first opened by the 787-8.

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Boeing's partnership with Thai Airways and support of the country's aviation industry span more than 60 years.

Royal Brunei Airlines
National flag carrier Royal Brunei Airlines purchased four 787 Dreamliners to renew its widebody fleet. Royal Brunei Airlines' selection of the 787-9 supports the airline's long-term growth strategy, sustainability goals, and focus on passenger comfort.

"The forthcoming arrival of the 787-9 Dreamliner symbolizes a bold step forward in our ongoing journey toward innovation and excellence," said Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines. "Royal Brunei Airlines has been operating the 787-8 for the last 10 years and this order will ensure we continue with a product that our customers have come to enjoy."

Royal Brunei Airlines was the first Southeast Asian carrier to fly the 787 Dreamliner more than a decade ago. With this 787-9 order, which was finalized in February and will be posted on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries, the airline can fly more passengers and cargo farther while operating more efficiently.

Royal Brunei Airlines currently operates five 787-8s, serving destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom. The 787-9, which can carry nearly 20% more passengers than the 787-8 and fly 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), will support the carrier's growing capacity needs on these medium- and long-haul routes.

The combined orders for 49 B797-9 jetliners is valued at about $14.3 billion at list prices.