Royal Brunei Airlines announced the purchase of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at the Singapore Airshow on February 20. Brunei's flag carrier views this order as part of its long-term growth strategy and increased focus on sustainability and passenger comfort.

The Order

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will help Royal Brunei Airlines fly more passengers and cargo efficiently. The carrier serves 21 destinations from its hub at Brunei International Airport (BWN) near Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The 787-9 can accommodate nearly 20% more passengers than the 787-8 and has a range of 14,010 kilometers (7,565 nautical miles). The expanded range and passenger capacity will allow Royal Brunei to offer more medium and long-haul routes.

Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines, said about the order:

"The forthcoming arrival of the 787-9 Dreamliner symbolizes a bold step forward in our ongoing journey toward innovation and excellence. Royal Brunei Airlines has been operating the 787-8 for the last 10 years and this order will ensure we continue with a product that our customers have come to enjoy. In our constant effort to offer unparalleled service matched with the highest safety standards to our guests, the new fleet will allow us the potential to tap into new growth areas, strengthening our market appeal and enabling us to provide a superior travel experience to our guests."

Brad McMullen, Boeing's Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, added about the order:

"By renewing its investment in the 787 Dreamliner, Royal Brunei Airlines will continue to connect Brunei with the world while offering the carrier's signature service and comfort to passengers. The 787-9 will deliver the versatility, efficiency and range that Royal Brunei Airlines desires to pursue increasing air travel and tourism opportunities."

The 787-9 will be useful if Royal Brunei announces a further expansion of its route network outside East and Southeast Asia. The airline currently serves only three destinations outside the region year-round: Dubai (DXB), London (LHR), and Melbourne (MEL). Royal Brunei also has seasonal flights to Jeddah (JED) to accommodate the 80% of Brunei's population who identify as Muslim. Passengers from outside Asia interested in visiting Brunei must connect through an Asian destination or one of the three previously mentioned intercontinental destinations. 

Royal Brunei's Fleet

Royal Brunei's fleet currently consists of two Airbus A320-200s, seven Airbus A320neos, and five Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The 787 Dreamliner family can handle significantly more passengers than the Airbus planes in the carrier's fleet, which both accommodate 150 passengers. Royal Brunei's 787-8 aircraft has 254 seats, while the 787-9s are expected to have between 250 and 290 passengers. 

Royal Brunei is interested in the 787 Dreamliner family due to its features. These planes enhance the passenger experience by providing more humid and pressurized air at a lower cabin altitude and technology that counters turbulence. The 787 Dreamliners also have environmental benefits: they reduce fuel usage and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25% compared to the aircraft they replace.

Boeing's future plans for Southeast Asia include new aircraft orders and developing the region's sustainable aviation fuel industry. The company's 2023 Commercial Market Outlook predicts 6.9% annual fleet growth and the delivery of almost 4,300 aircraft to Southeast Asian carriers over the next two decades. Royal Brunei's order suggests strong regional demand for widebody aircraft.