Boeing has landed a reported $7-billion contract from Bahrain-based Gulf Air for 12 widebody 787 Dreamliners, an order that includes options for six more aircraft. The jet builder did not indicate the delivery dates for new jets.
In addition to the value of the order, for Boeing it also serves as a statement of confidence in the 787 program following the crash of an Air India 787 in June that killed 241 passengers and crew members.
Gulf Air is longtime Boeing operator that currently has 10 787-9 Dreamliners in service and a total of 14 more on order. The carrier reportedly aims to modernize its jet fleet and expand its network of global destinations.
Boeing reports that the 787 has established 425 nonstop routes since it was introduced in 2011, and has carried more than 1 billion passengers worldwide.
"The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals,” stated Khalid Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group.
The value of the order is based on a U.S. Commerce Dept. statement. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attended the contract signing and announcement in Washington, along with Taqi and Boeing president and CEO Stephanie Pope.
For Boeing, the new order also serves as a statement of confidence in 787 program following the crash of an Air India 787 in June that killed 241 passengers and crew members.
