Caroline Cook, deputy editor of our sister publication, Routes News, reports from the World Travel Market in London.

Royal Brunei plans to be the first airline to offer a 787 Dreamliner service across its long-haul network by April 2014.

The carrier’s first Dreamliner aircraft is set to start operating London Heathrow - Dubai - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei on December 2. The route launch will coincide with a rebranding strategy.

Deputy chairman, Dermot Mannion, said at WTM in London: “We’re really into the business of firsts.”

He said the airline was “confident but never complacent” about the Dreamliner. Two 787s have already been delivered and are currenty being operated on regional services before they are rolled out onto long-haul routes including London.

Royal Brunei's Dreamliners are configured to carry 255 passengers – including 18 business class seats.

In January and February, Royal Brunei will receive two more Dreamliners, which will be deployed on its Australia service.

“By March, our long-haul experience will be 787-exclusive all the way to Melbourne,” said Mannion.

The airline is also in the process of selecting new short-haul aircraft and aims to start to receive deliveries in 2015.

Mannion said while the airline currently has six short-haul aircraft, it hopes to reach double figures within the next two years.

The chairman also alluded to new routes to India and said that it may look to expand its China services, dependent on aircraft deliveries.

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