Israeli flag-carrier El Al has finalised an order for two additional Boeing 737-900ERs, a conversion which has been linked to a possible acquisition of 787s.
Boeing says the deal for the jets is worth up to $179 million at list prices and the update raises El Al's total to six 737-900ERs.
"These additional airplanes will help us expand our fleet to meet the growing demand from our customers and to serve the growing markets in our network," says El Al chief Elyezer Shkedy.
Its 737-900ERs will be delivered with the Boeing Sky Interior. The aircraft will replace the Israeli operator's Boeing 757s.
Firming of the two 737-900ERs had been part of a conditional agreement between El Al and Boeing in June which centred on a loan offer and the acquisition of 787s.
Neither El Al nor Boeing have confirmed a firm agreement to take the 787s, however. The airline is looking at options to replace its Boeing 767 fleet.
Boeing data shows the El Al finalisation raises net orders for the 737 family so far this year to 666 aircraft, which includes orders for variants of the re-engined 737 Max.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
