Boeing announced one of its largest plane orders of the year as African carrier Ethiopian Airlines agreed to buy five twin-aisle 777s worth US$1.3 billion at list prices, Reuters reported.
The deal marks a high spot in a difficult year for Boeing and rival Airbus, a unit of EADS, as struggling airlines hold onto cash and defer or cancel many of the planes they already have on order.
As of July 21, Boeing had 106 plane orders on its books for 2009, but also 89 cancellations, leaving a total of only 17 net orders for the year.
In 2006 - the peak of a three-year plane-buying boom - Boeing notched 1,413 net plane orders.
Ethiopian Airlines, which operates a Boeing-only fleet, will be the first African carrier to operate the 777-200 LR (long range) planes. |
