El Al currently operates an exclusively Boeing fleet of 42 aircraft, saying the orders are both to replace the older aircraft and to expand its fleet.

By i24news

Israel’s flag carrier El Al announced Thursday that it has ordered up to nine 787 aircraft from Boeing and will lease six more from private leasing firms.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner lands after its first flight at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington on September 17, 2013 – Photo: Stephen Brashear/Getty/AFP/File

The catalogue price value of the new orders from Boeing is about $2.2 billion.

Boeing will record three of the planes on its official orders list and the others will be added as El Al and Boeing finalize commitments, the two companies said.

El Al said the orders are both to replace aging aircraft and further expand its fleet.

El Al chief executive David Maimon said in a statement that he is proud to unveil today the largest aircraft acquisition program in the history of EL AL. Our agreement to purchase 787 Dreamliners is a significant step forward in the optimization of our route network, enhancing passenger service and the overall flight experience.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,” Maimon added.

The company currently operates an exclusively Boeing fleet of 22 737s, seven 747s, seven 767s and six 777s.

The 787 Dreamliner is the US aircraft maker’s most recent model in its family of long-haul jets.

(staff with AFP)

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