Indonesia’s Lion Air has placed a new order with Boeing for its 787 Dreamliner.
The Jakarta-based carrier has selected five B787s, worth up to US$967.5 million, to be operated by its new premium carrier, Batik Air.
Batik Air will is expected to launch in March 2013, initially operating a fleet of 10 B737-800 aircraft prior to the arrival of its Dreamliners. The new full-service carrier intends to equip its aircraft with the latest technology, including top-of-the-range in-flight entertainment systems and onboard Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity.
Lion Air’s General Affairs Director Edward Sirait was reported saying recently that new airline would focus on “international routes such as South Asia, East Asia, and Australia” although no specific destinations have been announced.
The Dreamliner order marks the continuation of the relationship between Lion Air and Boeing. In February 2012 Lion placed Boeing’s biggest ever order, in terms of unit numbers, buying 230 B737s aircraft worth an estimated US$22.4 billion. Lion currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 81 aircraft, but this will rise to more than 340 aircraft in the years to come, as Lion seeks to expand its reach across the fast-growing Indonesian aviation sector. It was also the launch customer for the B737-900ER.
Boeing has now racked up more than 850 orders for its 787 Dreamliner, making it the fastest-selling commercial aircraft in aviation history.
