WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (AFP) - Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines on Friday announced a deal worth up to 1.3 billion dollars for 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, in the carrier`s biggest-ever purchase.
The sale involves five firm orders for passenger planes and purchase rights for five more.
Ethiopian Airlines said it was drawn to the 787`s use of composite materials to "lower the weight of the aircraft and reduce maintenance costs, as well as increasing fuel efficiency by about 20 percent."
"We are proud of Ethiopian Airlines` pioneering spirit, and we share its goal of maintaining innovative leadership in commercial aviation," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Alan Mulally.
The deal would be worth 1.3 billion dollars at catalogue value, although many airlines receive discounts for large orders.
Founded in 1946, Ethiopian began its relationship with Boeing 40 years ago, with the purchase of the Boeing 720B, a lighter version of the Boeing 707 that was used by other African airlines.
The first 787 Dreamliner will arrive at the airline`s hub in Addis Ababa in 2008.
Chicago-based Boeing has announced a total of 191 firm orders and commitments for the 787 Dreamliner from 15 other airlines.
The Dreamliner will have a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (647 miles, or 1,050 kilometers, per hour).
With a range of up to 14,500 kilometers (7,800 nautical miles), the aircraft will use 20 percent less fuel than any other plane of its size through engine improvements and the use of lighter composite metals for structure, according to Boeing.
The new Boeing plane has faced tough competition from Airbus`s recently launched A350.
02/04/2005 20:01 GMT - AFP