El Al and Boeing signed a deal for the purchase of up to nine Dreamliner jets - the 787-8 and 787-9 variants, two of which will be sold to a leasing company - on Thursday. Meanwhile, El Al will lease six more 787s from independent leasing companies.
The Israeli carrier was also given an option to purchase 13 additional jets. The deal is valued at an estimated $1.25 billion, with El Al set to receive the new planes starting in the third quarter of 2017.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner arrived in Israel to participate in the signing ceremony with El Al CEO David Maimon and Minister of Transport Yisrael Katz. Maimon said the planes would replace the company’s 747-400 and 767 model jets for medium to long haul routes.
"These aircraft are the latest and most advanced in the world and are efficient and economical. I am convinced that this move is a great opportunity to meet the high standard expected of us and continue the momentum in EL AL's focus to provide our customer with maximum comfort, the newest and best technology and deliver a high standard of service on-board," said Maimon.
"Boeing is proud of our long-standing relationship dating back to the delivery of the airline's first 707 in 1961 and we are pleased to now count EL AL as the newest 787 customer," said Conner. "The Dreamliner is a perfect fit for EL AL's medium to long haul routes. The addition of 787s to the EL AL fleet will enable it to grow its route structure, while providing more range and capacity with exceptional passenger comfort."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 29, 2015
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