Israeli flag carrier El Al is considering whether to evaluate the purchase of further Boeing 777s and 747-400s.
The airline only recently unofficially cancelled its decision to buy three Airbus A330s.
Sources at El Al say the extra aircraft will be needed to maintain the level of seat availability after the planned retirement of some of its old 747-200s and 767-200s.
The airline has already decided to retire at least three widebodies earlier then planned. These will probably include two 747-200s and one 767-200. One of the airline's 757-200s was repurchased by Boeing as part of the deal last year to acquire three 777-200ERs.
The decision was marred by controversy as the Clinton Administration in Washington stepped in to pressurise the Israelis into buying Boeing aircraft rather than Airbus. An intention to acquire A330s was also agreed, but this has now been quietly dropped.
Meanwhile, the first 777 is due for delivery next month, operating on the to New York, Hong Kong and London.
Source: Flight International
