Northwest places order for up to 68 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Northwest Airlines and Boeing said Thursday the airline has placed an order for up to 68 787 Dreamliners. Northwest’s order includes firm purchases of 18 of the 787-8 aircraft costing approximately $2.2 billion at list prices, plus options and purchase rights for 50 more.
The delivery schedule will see six 787s entering Northwest’s fleet each year in 2008-2010. Northwest will be the first North American carrier operating the 787 when the first is delivered in August 2008.
Production of the 787 Dreamliner will begin in 2006. The aircraft is being designed as a long-range jet capable of carrying 200 to 300 people depending on the configuration that will consume 20 percent less fuel than jets in use today.