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Air Premia commits to five 787 Dreamliners
October 31, 2019 By Wings Staff
Air Premia, a Korean startup airline scheduled to launch operations in September 2020, plans to buy five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes, following an agreement to lease three 787-9 jets from Air Lease Corporation earlier this year. The purchase, valued at $1.4 billion at list prices, would make Air Premia South Korea’s second Dreamliner operator.
“This is an exciting decision for Air Premia as we look to deliver a world-class experience to our customers, while also operating the most fuel-efficient fleet,” said Peter Sim, CEO of Air Premia. “With the 787-9’s superior fuel efficiency and range capabilities, this investment fits perfectly with our unique business model and will position Air Premia for sustainable long-term growth.”
The 787-9 is a widebody airplane that can fly 296 passengers in a standard configuration with a published range of 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 km). Boeing states the Dreamliner model enables airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 20 to 25 percent compared to previous airplanes. Boeing also states the 787-9 has so far helped airlines save more than 40 billion pounds of fuel and open more than 235 non-stop routes.
“As new entrants in Asia continue to launch innovative business models and strategies for growth, we are excited that Air Premia has selected the 787-9 Dreamliner to power their future fleet,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. “The super-efficient 787-9 is a perfect fit for this new hybrid airline.”
With its base at Seoul Incheon International Airport, Air Premia will initially operate regionally in Asia before expanding its network to Los Angeles and San Jose by 2021.
