British Airways (BA) has finalised its order for eight Boeing 787-8 and 16 787-9 aircraft with a list price of $4.4bn (”2.2bn).
The aircraft manufacturer points out that this takes the total number of the Dreamliner aircraft ordered to 790, while BA has also placed options for 18 787s and purchase rights for a further ten.
”With lower operating costs and the range to fly to all our destinations, it [787] will give us more flexibility when planning our route network,” said BA CEO Willie Walsh.
BA will use Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to power its 787 fleet, the details of which were first announced last September as part of the UK carrier”s long-haul aircraft renewal plans. Boeing also notes that commonalities between the 777 aircraft on BA”s fleet and the 787 will allow pilots to train for Dreamliner certification in just five days.
”Reaching the 787th order is significant for the programme and BA”s leadership in the industry validates our momentum in the marketplace,” said 787 vice president and general manager Patrick Shanahan.
Boeing adds that it estimates the mid-sized jet aircraft market to be worth some 3,500 orders during the next 20 years.
BA has also placed an order for 12 ultra-large Airbus A380s.