All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced that it will become the first Japanese airline to introduce the Boeing 787-9 on international routes, beginning service on its Haneda – Munich route from May 5, 2015.

The airline’s introduction of the Dreamliner on international services will streamline operational costs and drive continued growth.

From May 5, the 787-9 will be operating on odd days until May 23, 2015, as the 787-8 will operate the route on May 19, 2015. ANA will operate a daily service on the route with a 787-9 from June 1, 2015.

From May 5 to May 23, the airline will depart Tokyo Haneda at 12:30pm, arriving into Munich at 17:20pm local time. The return service will depart Munich at 21:25pm, arriving into Haneda at 15:50pm (+1 day).

ANA’s new 787-9 aircraft for international service has a total of 215 seats, 46 more than the 787-8, and has been equipped with the airlines latest Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, and will be the first 787 in the airline’s fleet to offer in-flight Wi-Fi.

The Boeing 787-9 offers up to 20 percent more seating and cargo capacity, as well as achieving 23 percent greater fuel efficiency meaning a further reduction in operating costs and an improved environmental performance.

ANA became the launch customer for the Dreamliner in October 2011, with the inaugural commercial flight operating from Tokyo Narita to Hong Kong, and was first launched into regular domestic service in August 2014.

The latest introduction of the 787-9 aircraft into international service is in line with ANA’s strategy for continued growth, which includes the development of new flight routes and increased flight frequency on existing routes.

According to data from OAG, ANA operates the greatest number of 787 Dreamliners in terms of capacity, operating 23 percent of the Dreamliner market. The airline operates the aircraft on over thirty routes from Tokyo Haneda. Read the full report here.