In 2019, it was announced that MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Air Lease Corporation had entered a long-term lease agreement to acquire one Boeing 787. Eventually that order was increased to two aircraft.

At the time, the first plane was scheduled to be delivered in the spring of 2021. However, as you’d expect, between the pandemic and Boeing 787 production issues, that timeline has been pushed back considerably. Delivery of the first aircraft was scheduled for second quarter of 2023. Suffice it to say that this timeline doesn’t appear to be sticking anymore.

While exact details of the cabin interiors aren’t yet known, it’s expected that the plane will have 313 seats, including 16 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 276 economy seats.

Here’s how D.Battur, CEO of MIAT Mongolian Airlines back in 2019, described the order:

“Our vision is to become a globally recognized Mongolian national flag carrier, and we are making a significant step forward by adding the first 787-9 Dreamliner to our fleet. The Mongolian Dreamliner will fly our passengers direct and in unmatched comfort to their dream destinations. Today is a proud day for MIAT and for all Mongolians.”

For context, MIAT Mongolian currently has a fleet of five aircraft, including one Boeing 767-300ER, three Boeing 737-800s, and one Boeing 737 MAX 8. The 767 is currently MIAT Mongolian’s only long haul aircraft between Ulaanbaatar and Frankfurt.