Air Berlin in largest 787 order

Air Berlin has made a $4bn order for 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the largest single order placed by a European carrier.

The German low-fare carrier has also secured 10 options and 15 purchase rights for additional 787s, but it has not announced an engine supplier for the twin-aisle, long-haul aircraft.

According to Boeing, the 787 Dreamliner uses 20 per cent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized aircraft, and its interior features bigger windows and more storage space.

A total of 47 customers have ordered 677 787s from Boeing, and delivery of the Dreamliner is scheduled to begin next year.