3 New 787 Orders, Arkia and Privatair Options

[Dan_Taylor]

Nakash Group (to be operated by Arkia) and Privatair have ordered Boeing 787s. Nakash Group (Arkia) have chosen the 787-9 while Privatair have gone with the 787-8.

SEATTLE, Dec. 05, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Nakash Group of America today announced an order for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Nakash Group of America is a multi-national, multi-billion dollar conglomerate that owns Arkia Israeli Airlines. Arkia, based in Tel Aviv, will operate the 787s, making it the first airline in Israel to offer 787 services to its passengers.

The order is valued at $366 million at list prices. Deliveries are in 2012. Nakash Group also secured options for two 787-9s.

"The 787 is, simply put, an amazing machine," said Joe Nakash, chairman, Nakash Group of America. "We are excited to be the first in Israel to fly our passengers in the superior comfort of the Dreamliner.

"Like the 787, our businesses are global. The Dreamliner will create unprecedented access to growing markets, facilitate international business and build on the increasing demand for air travel around the world," Nakash said.

Since its launch in April 2004, the 787 has become the world's fastest-selling commercial airplane. Thirty-seven customers worldwide have placed more than 450 orders and commitments for the 787, preferring its superior efficiency, economics, range and passenger comfort.

"Today is a great day for Boeing and Israel," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are thrilled to welcome the Nakash Group into the 787 family and look forward to seeing the 787 flying in Arkia colors. In just a few years, Israeli travelers will enjoy an unmatchable travel experience."

Arkia will use the 787s to serve destinations in North America and the Far East.

The carrier is evaluating the two engine options for the 787, which are the General Electric GEnx and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000.

Today the Arkia fleet includes one Boeing 757-200 and two 757-300s, plus four ATR 72-500s and five Bombardier Dash 7s.

Source: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/news/2006...061204c_nr.html

SEATTLE, Dec. 05, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and international business aviation group PrivatAir today announced an order for one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner airplane. PrivatAir, headquartered in Geneva, becomes the first company of its kind to purchase the 787. The order is valued at $153 million at today's list prices. The order is accounted for on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website, identified as a 787 BBJ VIP customer.

PrivatAir will be the first commercial business aviation specialist to offer the 787 to its customers. The 787 complements PrivatAir's existing Boeing fleet, which includes a newly acquired 767, one 757, three Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) and one BBJ2.

"PrivatAir has been at the forefront of business aviation for three decades," said Greg Thomas, CEO of PrivatAir. "We were the very first commercial operator of the Boeing Business Jet, and the first to operate a luxury-configured 767 for our VIP charter business."

PrivatAir is evaluating the two engine options, the General Electric GEnx and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000.

"Working with PrivatAir is an excellent way for us to continue and expand our success in the corporate aircraft market," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "PrivatAir's order is another example of the 787's exceptional versatility."

Source: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/news/2006...061205a_nr.html

These orders were probably listed as "Unidentified" for the Arkia order, and perhaps "BBJ" for the Privatair order. The 787 bandwagon just keeps on rolling.

[Dan_Taylor]

And following on from this, First Choice have signed for two more 787's.

SEATTLE, Dec. 06, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed that UK-based carrier and integrated-tour operator First Choice Airways has ordered an additional two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with deliveries beginning in 2011. This order previously was listed on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries webpage attributed to an unidentified customer.

First Choice, the European launch customer for the 787, placed its first order for six 787s in July 2004. With today's announcement, First Choice now has eight 787s on order. Boeing will deliver First Choice's first 787 in the first quarter of 2009.

"The additional 787s are integral to providing our customers the most comfortable air-travel experience possible in an environmentally responsible way," said Chris Browne, Managing Director, First Choice Airways. "Thanks to its unique cabin environment featuring a more spacious interior, bigger windows and higher humidity, we firmly believe passengers will prefer the First Choice 787 product. From a business perspective, the 20-percent improvement in fuel efficiency will benefit our bottom line and facilitate our growth into new markets."

First Choice's 787s will be powered by all-new GEnx engines developed by General Electric.

"This follow-on order from our European launch customer First Choice speaks volumes about their belief in the exceptional benefits the 787 will bring to their passengers," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are delighted they are furthering their commitment to this innovative airplane which incorporates the most advanced materials and technologies available today to airlines around the world."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, when it enters service in 2008, will provide passengers with a better flying experience. Inside the airplane, passengers will find bigger windows and more stowage space, and experience cleaner air and a higher humidity. The improvements in cabin altitude combined with higher humidity and cleaner air create an overall improvement in passenger comfort.

Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with 20 percent lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings.

As of Dec. 5, Boeing has received 458 orders and commitments for the 787 Dreamliner.

Source: http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061206d_nr.html

Great news for First Choice, great news for Boeing.

[boeing777.300ER]

Am i happy, i`m bouncing off the walls in the office, we were told at 1130 today that we had order 2 more 787s , the outlook for our 767s now looks grin for the time being, but time will tell, that still leaves us with an option for 4 more 787s.