El Al Israel Airlines said on Wednesday it was opening talks with Boeing to buy and lease up to 15 new Dreamliner aircraft over the next five years in a deal that could be worth $800-$900 million, its biggest-ever plane order.
Advertisement
The Israeli national carrier will conduct exclusive talks with Boeing for the purchase and leasing of 15 Dreamliner wide-bodied planes 787-8 and 787-9 planes with an option for an additional 13 of the aircraft. “This measure will be a major leap forward in the optimization of our flight routes, serving passengers and the flight experience”. The planes will replace a fleet of ageing 747-400 and 767 aircraft and will operate on medium- and long-haul routes, including lucrative North American and Asian destinations.
Introduced in 2011, the Dreamliner is Boeing’s most technologically advanced aircraft. “We shall preserve our position as the first choice in flying to and from Israel and offer customers maximum comfort, technological innovations and quality service. I am convinced that this move is a great opportunity to meet the high standard expected of us and continue the momentum of EL AL’s innovation”.
El Al said it earned a net profit of $17.3 million, up from $16.3 million a year earlier.
Advertisement
“The Company’s cashflow deriving from operating activities in the second quarter amounted to approximately United States dollars 79 million, and it ended the quarter with cash and deposit balance totaling approximately USD 186 million”.
