Boeing, EL AL Israel Airlines Agree on 787 Dreamliner Order

 Boeing and EL AL Israel Airlines agreed on an order today for up to nine 787 Dreamliners, valued at more than $2.2 billion at current list prices. Three of the orders will be added to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website on Nov. 5 and the remainder will be posted as further contractual requirements are finalized.

EL AL will also lease six additional 787s from independent leasing companies as the Israeli-flag carrier looks to replace and grow its existing long-haul fleet, increasing capacity and providing greater route flexibility to and from its hub at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.

“I am 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,” said David Maimon, President and Chief Executive Officer, EL AL. “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.”

EL AL has been an all-Boeing carrier since taking delivery of its first Boeing airplane in 1961 and currently operates a fleet of 22 737s, seven 747s, seven 767s and six 777s.

“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 Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray 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.”

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide EL AL with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 percent less fuel and with 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.