Singapore Airlines Revealed as Boeing Mystery Buyer

Hey big spender: The carrier has purchased US$13.8 billion worth of planes from aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

Singapore Airlines has purchased US$13.8 billion worth of planes from Boeing, the New Zealand Herald reports. The purchase, which was initially attributed only to an unknown party, will see the carrier acquire 20 777-9s and 19 787-10s. Both are wide-bodied planes, but the former is still in development while the latter will enter service in 2018.

Singapore Airlines, the outlet reports, will have been given a discount on the list price of the planes. Boeing has said that the purchase will help to both bolster its suppliers in the US and secure up to 70,000 jobs.

To be delivered in the 2021 and 2022 financial year, the newly purchased 777-9s will be used on the carrier’s long-haul routes. The 787-10s, also due for delivery in 2021 and 2022, will be deployed on Singapore’s medium-range routes.

Commenting on the order in an official statement, Goh Choon Phong, the carrier’s CEO, said, “SIA has been a Boeing customer for many decades and we are pleased to have finalized this major order for widebody aircraft, which will enable us to continue operating a modern and fuel-efficient fleet. These new aircraft will also provide the SIA Group with new growth opportunities, allowing us to expand our network and offer even more travel options for our customers.”

Kevin McAllister, Boeing’s President and CEO, concurred, saying, “Boeing and Singapore Airlines have been strong partners since the airline’s first operations 70 years ago and we are thrilled to finalize their purchase of 20 777Xs and 19 additional 787-10 Dreamliner. Singapore Airlines’ order is a testament to the market-leading capabilities of Boeing’s widebody airplanes and we look forward to delivering the very first 787-10 to them next year.”

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