Arke

Boeing has announced the delivery of Dutch charter airline Arke’s first 787-8 Dreamliner at the carrier’s base at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

The aircraft is the first of three Dreamliners to join the Dutch airline’s all-Boeing fleet that includes Next-Generation 737s and 767-300ER jets.

Arke will operate its 787 for services between Amsterdam and the islands of Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean.

TUI Travel, the owner of Arke, has ordered a total of 15 787-8 aircraft, with six having been delivered and are currently in operation with three of its six airline brands, Thomson Airways, Jetairfly and now Arke.

TUI Netherlands CEO Elie Bruyninckx said: "Passengers travelling on Arke’s 787 will appreciate the airplane’s spacious interior, bigger windows and will arrive at their destination felling refreshed, making it the perfect start to any holiday."

The 787 is a technologically advanced aircraft with composite materials making up 50% of the primary structure, including the fuselage and wing.

In addition, it will provide Arke with improved fuel efficiency, using 20% less fuel, compared with similarly sized jets in the market.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes European sales vice-president Todd Nelp said: "TUI Netherlands is a leading player in the Dutch holiday market and the Dreamliner will play a key role in setting in apart from its competition by providing an unrivalled passenger experience."

Image: Arke’s 787 Dreamliner on a previous test flight. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology