Qantas orders up to 115 787 “Dreamliner” planes from Boeing

Qantas orders up to 115 787 “Dreamliner” planes from Boeing

Qantas orders up to 115 787 “Dreamliner” planes from Boeing

   Qantas Airways has placed orders for up to 115 Boeing 787-8 “Dreamliner” aircraft, the largest order received so far by the Seattle-based aircraft manufacturer.

   Under terms of the agreement, Qantas will receive 65 787s for delivery from 2008 and options for an additional 50 more of the aircraft.

   The Australian airline said the value of the 65 787s was AUD$13 billion ($10 billion) at list price.

   Production of the “Dreamliner” planes will begin next year. The aircraft is being designed as a long-range jet capable of carrying 200 to 300 people on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers) that will consume 20 percent less fuel than jets in use today.

   Boeing now has 354 orders and commitments from 26 customers for the 787.