EVERETT – It wasn’t a bad Monday for the Boeing Co.
The plane builder announced deals with three companies worth up to $4.5 billion at list prices for 28 aircraft, including 17 new 787 Dreamliners. The orders came from customers around the globe: a Kuwait-based leasing company, an American carrier and a Russian freight company.
The orders also emphasize the success of Boeing’s fuel-efficient Dreamliner, bringing the 787’s total sales since its 2004 launch to more than 470.
U.S. carrier Continental Airlines noted its concern over rising fuel costs as a reason for increasing its request for 787s from 20 to 25. In selecting five of Boeing’s 787-9s, Continental became the first airline in the country to order the larger version of the 787. The 787-9 seats 250 to 290 passengers and can fly further than the smaller, more popular 787-8, which will take its first flight later this year.
“Since we placed our initial 787 order in December 2004, we have become even more impressed with the 787 and its capabilities,” said Larry Kellner, Continental’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The increased size and range of the 787-9 will allow us to serve more cities with the lowest operating seat cost of any aircraft in our fleet. This is the second time we have increased our 787 order, and demonstrates our continued confidence in Boeing and the 787.”
In addition to increasing its firm order to 25 787s, Continental has converted 12 previously ordered 787-8s into 787-9s, for a total of 17 787-9 and eight 787-8 aircraft on firm order.
Kuwait-based Aviation Lease and Finance Co., ALAFCO, joined Continental in ordering 787s on Monday. The leasing company formally signed an agreement with Boeing for 12 Dreamliners and six 737-800s in a deal valued at $2.26 billion at catalog prices. On its Web site, Boeing previously had listed six of the 787s on order from ALAFCO as coming from an unidentified buyer.
The leasing company is the first Middle East customer to finalize an order for Boeing’s Dreamliner.
“This is a proud day for Boeing in the Middle East,” said Lee Monson, Boeing’s vice president of sales in the Middle East and Africa, in a statement. “ALAFCO’s demonstrated faith in Boeing airplanes has further strengthened our working relationship and we’re proud to be included as part of what we know is a very sound strategy for growth and continuing success.”
Boeing rounded out the day by bolstering sales for its revamped 747 freighter. The company announced an agreement with Moscow-based freight company Volga-Dnepr Group for five 747-8 cargo jets. The Russian company also retained the option to pick up an additional five airplanes.
Volga-Dnepr Group’s order, worth $1.4 billion at list prices, previously was listed under an unidentified buyer on Boeing’s Web site.
Monday’s requests, which bring Boeing’s total to more than 80 for the year, do not catapult the company past the 97 orders accumulated by rival Airbus in the first two months of 2007. However, the orders emphasize Boeing’s widening lead in the more profitable wide-body jet market. Boeing’s stock price increased 1.89 percent, closing the day at $91.20.
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