Gulf Air Says It’ll Buy 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing has confirmed a new order for its 787 Dreamliner, with Gulf Air committing to the widebody series.

Gulf Air will purchase 12 of the 787 Dreamliners as part of its bid to expand its widebody fleet, which currently consists solely of this program.

While 12 aircraft have been purchased as part of a firm deal, Boeing’s contract will also include six further options that can be exercised at a later date, bringing the agreement up to 18 787s.

Labelled as transformative for Gulf Air, it represents another step in the strategic journey the company is undertaking as it expands its global footprint.

As part of its strategic journey, Gulf Air recognises the need for a fleet among the most advanced, featuring some of the most efficient aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner, which will play a crucial role in this endeavour.

Gulf Air is no stranger to the Boeing widebody program; the 787 is already flying extensively across its network, with the carrier describing its performance metrics as fantastic and receiving strong customer feedback.

As a result, having proven to be an exceptional aircraft, Gulf Air is revisiting the program with more jets to support its long-haul operations in the decades to come, reflecting confidence not just in the aircraft but also in the company’s future, given demand.

A Busy Period For Boeing

While Boeing has encountered struggles in recent years, a recovery in demand for its commercial aeroplane divisions has been evident.

Growing interest has translated into firm orders over the last 12 months, and Gulf Air’s commitment to the 787 is a testament to this.

Despite this, the American planemaker still has a long way to go to prove it has truly turned the corner, and from a financial standpoint, much of that will rest on the FAA easing production restrictions on its 737 MAX.

Additionally, Boeing will continue to work towards certifying many aircraft that are long overdue for their debut in the industry. As a result, many airlines are patiently waiting to secure their services.

Some of the uncertified aircraft include the upcoming long-haul jet known as the 777X, expected to enter service at the beginning of the decade, but the timeframe has continued to push out due to niggles.

Meanwhile, on a smaller scale, there remain two uncertified 737 MAX variants, the 737-7 and 737-10, which have also seen their approval delayed for several reasons, preventing their delivery to airline customers.

Ultimately, while challenges still exist within the Boeing operation, notable improvements have been made concerning customer interest, and backlogs for many programs have also increased.