EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are celebrating the delivery of the airline’s first 787-9 Dreamliner. Over the coming years the 787 will play a key role in the Dutch flag carrier’s fleet renewal and expansion. KLM acquired this airplane through leasing company AerCap.

“We are very proud to welcome our first Boeing 787 Dreamliner today,” said Pieter Elbers, KLM President & CEO. “This aircraft symbolizes a new phase in the future of KLM. Investment in our customers is one of our priorities. This efficient aircraft is part of that investment. It’s testimony to the great work of 33,000 KLM employees, who are committed to giving their best for our customers every day.”

In addition to today’s delivery, the Air France-KLM Group has 19 787-9s and six 787-10s on order and will lease 12 787s through AerCap. KLM will operate its first 787-9 on its Amsterdam – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain service.

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 can fly up to 20 percent more passengers and 23 percent more cargo farther yet with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

“The KLM brand is synonymous with innovation, reliability, and outstanding customer service, which will be perfectly complemented by the addition of the 787 to the airline’s fleet,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are honored that the 787 is now proudly flying in the famous KLM blue livery and are confident the airplane will play a key role in this historic carrier’s continued success.”

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as the industry’s largest windows, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, modern LED lighting, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

KLM was founded in 1919, and is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. Based at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, KLM is part of the Air France-KLM Group and serves 135 destinations worldwide. Over the past half century KLM has taken delivery of more than 200 Boeing airplanes.

Press release and picture Boeing