Gulf Air has signed a lease agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd. at the Dubai Airshow 2017 for five Boeing 787-9 aircraft, due to be introduced in 2018.

“We are pleased to be in a position to support Gulf Air’s fleet strategy in 2018 as they look to develop their route offering,” said Firoz Tarapore, chief executive officer of DAE. “Leasing these top-of-the-range aircraft underlines Dubai Aerospace Enterprise’s ability to work with customers with varying requirements and is made possible by our long-standing presence in the leasing and finance space. We look forward to supporting one of the Gulf region’s premier airlines as it continues to grow.”

Gulf Air will use the aircraft to further expand its network. The airline already has 16 787-9s on order from Boeing that are expected to be delivered from the second quarter of 2018.

“Our agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise sees Gulf Air gear up for a landmark moment in our history as we welcome five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in the coming months,” said Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi [right in photo], deputy chief executive officer of Gulf Air. “The incoming aircraft represent an important step in our strategic direction towards furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process, enhancing passenger comfort and broadening our network as we look to strengthen our presence across the globe.”