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Crystal scraps plans for B787 Dreamliner

Crystal scraps plans for B787 Dreamliner
Crystal Cruises has decided not to use a custom-built Boeing 787-8 in its aviation ventures. The 262-seat aircraft, under construction in Seattle, was to be reconfigured for 100 passengers in first-class, flat-bed seating.

It turned out the jet could accommodate just 60 travelers in this configuration, according to a UK news report citing an executive of Cabot Aviation, which is remarketing the aircraft.

'Following further evaluation of Crystal AirCruises’ platform, we have elected not to utilize the B787 Dreamliner, as it does not strategically align with our evolved overall fleet plan. Nor did the plane’s configuration meet the standards necessary to effectively offer our celebrated global cruise experiences by air,' a Crystal spokesman told Seatrade Cruise News.

'In our continuing evaluation of Crystal AirCruises, we are exploring additional options to complement our upcoming journeys aboard our B777-200LR, which is set to soar next year in the fall,' he added.

Crystal's aircraft fleet currently consists of Crystal Luxury Air's 12-seat Bombardier global express jet that carries travelers to meet virtually any Crystal voyage, anywhere, and Crystal AirCruises' B777-200LR, which will fly around-the-world itineraries starting in fall 2017.

Crystal had announced the B777 would be reconfigured for 88 passengers, however the Cabot executive said the jet is being refurbished to carry 100 travelers in the first-class configuration.