National carrier Mongolyn Irgenii Agaaryn Teever (MIAT) Mongolian Airlines will soon welcome the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its fleet, as the airline looks to connect its home base in Ulaanbaatar with major European and North American cities beginning in 2021.

The 787-9 – the longest-range version of Boeing’s Dreamliner widebody airplane – will join MIAT’s fleet via lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).

“Our vision is to become a globally recognised Mongolian national flag carrier, and we are making a significant step forward by adding the first 787-9 Dreamliner to our fleet,” said Battur Davaakhuu, president and CEO of MIAT Mongolian Airlines. “The Mongolian Dreamliner will fly our passengers direct and in unmatched comfort to their dream destinations,” he added.

The Mongolian flag carrier joins other airlines in Asia – including Hainan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Vietnam Airlines – that operate long-distance routes using the super-efficient, long-range 787-9. The airplane can fly up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km).

Los Angeles-based ALC purchased the airplane and is providing a long-term leasing agreement for its delivery to MIAT.

“We now have a significant lease placement with MIAT. We are happy to support the national carrier as it expands its fleet with the most technologically advanced aircraft to connect Mongolia with the rest of the world,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, executive chairman of ALC.

Since the 787’s introduction in 2011, Boeing has booked over 1,400 orders from more than 80 customers. The company will now count MIAT as its newest Dreamliner operator.