All Nippon Airways has committed to placing firm orders for 15 Boeing 787s to be powered by the General Electric GEnx-1B, and not the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 that powers its existing fleet.
The order will comprise 11 787-10s and four 787-9s, says ANA. In addition, ANA will obtain options for an additional five 787-9s.
The GEnx-1B decision a major engine change for the airline. Cirium fleets data indicates that ANA has 71 in-service 787s, all powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. The R-R powerplant has had a troubled service life aboard the global 787 fleet.
Boeing says separately that “once the agreements are finalised, it will be ANA’s sixth order” for the 787.
Boeing adds that the deal is worth over $5 billion at list prices. It also notes that of the four 787-9s in the order, three will come from Atlantis Aviation Corporation. According to ANA, Atlantis Aviation is a special purpose company that is 100% owned by Japanese conglomerate Sojitz orporation.
Should the options be exercised, ANA’s 787 fleet will grow to over 100 examples.
The 787-10s will arrive in the fiscal year 2022-24 timeframe – or between March 2022-25. These aircraft will replace 777s now serving on domestic routes.
The 787-9s, which are earmarked for international services, will enter service in the FY2024-25 timeframe – or between March 2024-26.
“Boeing’s 787s have served ANA with distinction, and we are proud to expand our fleet by adding more of these technologically advanced aircraft,” says ANA executive vice president Yutaka Ito.
“These planes represent a significant step forward for ANA as we work to make our entire fleet more eco-friendly and to reduce noise output. Introducing the 787-10 on the domestic routes will help ANA Group maintain its leadership role and improve our ability to operate as a responsible corporate citizen.”
Cirium fleets data indicates that ANA’s 71 in-service 787s are comprised of 36 -8s, 33 -9s, and two -10s. In addition, the airline has firm orders for 12 additional 787s, 11 -9s and one -10.
Updated with additional information about Sojitz Corporation.
