Israeli national carrier El Al on Thursday signed a $1.25 billion deal to purchase nine Boeing 787 Dreamliners for its long-haul fleet, the largest purchase ever made by the company since its establishment in 1948. El Al will also lease six additional 787 jets from independent companies, with the aim of increasing capacity and route flexibility. Boeing describes the 787-8 and 787-9 variants in the deal as "technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features." Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner arrived in Israel to take part in the signing ceremony with El Al CEO David Maimon. Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz also participated, and announced that his ministry's plan to convert the military airfield in Ramat David, near Haifa, into a civilian airfield is now underway. He noted that construction of Ramon International Airport in Timna Valley in southern Israel is also progressing. Ramon Airport is intended to complement Ben-Gurion International Airport, currently Israel's main international gateway. "I am proud to unveil the largest aircraft acquisition program in the history of El Al. Our agreement to purchase 787 Dreamliners is a significant step forward in the optimization of our route network, enhancing passenger service and the overall flight experience," Maimon said in a statement issued Thursday. "These aircraft are the latest and most advanced in the world and are efficient and economical. I am convinced that this move is a great opportunity to meet the high standard expected of us and continue the momentum in El Al's focus to provide our customers with maximum comfort, the newest and best technology, and deliver a high standard of service on-board." Conner said the aviation giant was "proud and pleased to now count El Al as the newest 787 customer. The Dreamliner is a perfect fit for El Al's medium- to long-haul routes." El Al has been an all-Boeing carrier since 1961 and operates a fleet of 22 737s, seven 747s, seven 767s and six 777s. According to Boeing, "The 787 will provide El Al with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20% less fuel and with 20% fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces."
