Boeing sells 12 Everett-built 777s

Published 9:40 pm Tuesday, July 28, 2009

EVERETT — The Boeing Co.’s popular 777 jet pulled orders worth $3.2 billion at list prices from two carriers in deals announced Tuesday.

Boeing said it received orders for its Everett-built 777 from Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. The requests give Boeing’s order tally a lift in a year when airlines have dealt the company nearly as many cancellations as orders. Prior to the newly announced requests, Boeing had 17 net orders for 2009.

Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first African carrier to order and operate a Boeing 777-200 Longer Range jet. The airline has requested five 777s in an order valued at $1.3 billion, but airlines tend to negotiate discounts from jet makers. Ethiopian will use its new Boeing jets to extend its service.

“The Boeing 777 will be integral as we bring our business to the next level,” said Ato Girma Wake, the airline’s chief executive, in a statement. “Boeing has been an important and valued partner to Ethiopian for many, many years.”

Ethiopian Airlines operates an all-Boeing fleet.

Turkish Airlines placed an order for seven 777-300 Extended Range aircraft. The request is in addition to the five 777s the carrier put on order earlier this year.

“This additional order is a further confirmation of Turkish Airlines’ plans for international expansion and its confidence in the abilities of the 777-300ER to help meet these goals,” said Aldo Basile, Boeing’s vice president of sales for Europe and Russia, in a statement.

The Turkish Airlines’ order is valued at $1.9 billion. The carrier operates a fleet of 65 Boeing aircraft.