New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Boeing has inked an $18 billion deal with Emirates Airlines to supply the airline with 50 aircraft, with the option to expand the deal even further.
The agreement is the largest ever in Boeing’s history.
The U.S.-based aircraft manufacturer has agreed to build 50 of its 770-300ER airliners for the Dubai-based Emirates Airlines. The agreement also contains options to supply an additional 20 aircraft, which could add $8 billion to the deal.
Boeing has said that 2011 is a record year for the 777, with orders to date totaling 182 this year. That breaks the prior record of 154 orders in 2005.
Emirates’ fleet of 94 777s is the largest in the world. The 777-300ER is designed for long flights. The ER stands for “extended range.”
The sizable deal bodes well for the ailing global economy, and extends a hopeful sign that things are improving. Airlines have sorely suffered as fuel prices have spiked and customers have eliminated or curbed travel when possible.
The current year has been kind to Boeing. On Oct. 27, after long delays in production, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner made its first commercial flight, followed by stellar reviews.
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