Japan Airlines (JAL) and Boeing have announced an order for four 787-8 Dreamliners.

Previously attributed to an unidentified customer, the order is worth more than $900m and allows JAL to expand its Dreamliners fleet to 49 jets featuring 29 787-8s and 20 787-9 aircraft.

Japan Airlines president Yoshiharu Ueki said: “This order for additional 787 Dreamliners is a key part of our strategy as we look to bolster our existing route network and strengthen our position ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“JAL has been able to successfully grow its business over the years while generating healthy profits due to the efficiency and reliability of their 787 fleet.”

“The superior noise performance of the 787 will play a critical role in meeting our commitment to quieter operations within our domestic network going forward.”

Currently operating 34 787 Dreamliners, JAL expects to receive a new aircraft of the same type from a previous order this week.

In 2012, the carrier became the first airline in the world to receive a 787 aircraft powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Kevin McAllister said: “JAL has been able to successfully grow its business over the years while generating healthy profits due to the efficiency and reliability of their 787 fleet.”

Last month, Boeing delivered a 787 Dreamliner to EL AL Israel Airlines, which will operate the aircraft on lease from Air Lease.

Boeing has so far secured 1,278 orders for its Dreamliner family of aircraft from 69 customers worldwide.


Image: A Japan Airlines aircraft in the sky. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.