Boeing Racks Up $12 Billion In Plane Orders
FARNBOROUGH, England (AP) — A new airline, FlyDubai, has announced plans to buy 50 Boeing 737-800s worth $3.74 billion at list prices.
The airline’s chairman, Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, made the announcement Monday at the Farnborough air show in Britain. He says the airplane “is ideally suited to our mission.” The Dubai government formed FlyDubai in March.
The world’s aviation industry has gathered at the Farnborough show amid tough times for airplane makers and airlines due to high fuel prices.
Another airline, Etihad Airways, says it is placing an order for 45 Boeing aircraft worth $9 billion at list prices.
The deal announced at the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday comprises 35 Boeing 787 aircraft and 10 Boeing 777-300ER. Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is also placing options for another 25 Boeing 787s and 10 Boeing 777s.
Aircraft deliveries will begin 2011 and are set to be completed by 2020.
Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan says the deal reflects the carrier’s growth strategy.
