Israeli flag-carrier El Al is to acquire four Boeing 787-10s through the conversion of previous orders and options it holds on 787s.
El Al agreed to purchase three 787-9s, through a deal with Boeing reached two years ago, and take options on up to six additional aircraft.
But it concluded a new arrangement on 15 April under which the airline is to convert the three firm aircraft to the larger -10.
El Al will also take a fourth -10 by exercising one of its options. The six originally optioned aircraft had 2030-32 delivery slots.
The carrier says it has been granted additional options to purchase up to six more 787s which, if exercised, would be delivered over 2033-35.
El Al’s 787 fleet currently totals 17 aircraft – a mix of four 787-8s and 13 787-9s. It is due to receive a leased pair from AerCap, which will give it 19, while the new orders and options will take the fleet potentially to 34.
“[The agreement] is part of the company’s long-term strategic plan to increase production capacity, rejuvenate and enlarge the aircraft fleet, while improving profitability and deepening the customer experience,” says the carrier.
It says the measure will increase seating capacity in line with the projected rise of passenger traffic at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport over the next few years.
El Al values the revised 787 agreement at around $1.5 billion, although this depends on engine type and future pricing adjustments.
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