TUI places $4.7bn Boeing order

has announced orders for 11 787-8 Dreamliners and 50 Next-Generation 737s with

, Europe's largest integrated-tourism company. The value of the orders is approximately $4.7bn at list prices.

According to Boeing, new-technology benefits such as lightweight composites and innovative engine technology will allow TUI Group airlines to implement ongoing efficiency improvements.

‘The 787's unprecedented environmental performance will make it an incredibly valuable asset as we look to reduce our carbon output,’ said Dr. Michael Frenzel, chairman of the TUI board. ‘The 787 will offer a 20 percent reduction in emissions and has a 60 percent smaller noise footprint for our airport communities. It is the green airplane we need for greener operations.’

TUI Group plans to put the airplanes into service with Arkefly in The Netherlands, Belgium-based Jetairfly, Thomsonfly of the United Kingdom, Germany-based TUIfly and the Scandinavian operator TUIfly Nordic.

To assist TUI, Boeing is working to create a training program that will allow pilots to transition easily from one airplane type to another, so that cross-training costs are minimised and fleet efficiency is maximised.