Boeing ANA

Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) has confirmed its $13bn order for 40 twin-aisle, wide-body Boeing airplanes, following a commitment made in March.

Mainly aimed at renewing the long-haul fleet, the latest order comprises 20 Boeing 777-9Xs, 14 787-9 Dreamliner jets and six 777-300ERs, which would be deployed on both domestic and international operations.

ANA president and CEO Shinichiro Ito said: "The aircraft we have selected will enable us to modernise and expand our fleet further as we seek to become one of the world’s leading airline groups.

"This order from ANA demonstrates the strength of our 50-year partnership."

"These new aircraft will give us maximum flexibility, improved fuel efficiency and will allow us to meet the growth in demand, both internationally and in our domestic Japanese market."

The latest confirmation comes after the Japanese airliner recently received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which makes it the first to operate both 787 family variants and also the world’s largest customer for the Dreamliner.

Being the launch customer of the Boeing 787-8, ANA currently operates a fleet of 29 787s, with an additional 51 aircraft to be delivered, including 43 787-9 jets.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said: "This order from ANA demonstrates the strength of our 50-year partnership."

Image: ANA is now the world’s largest operator of Boeing Dreamliner jets. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology