Dubai-based LCAL announced yesterday at the show it has placed its first Boeing 787s with Royal Jordanian Airlines. The airline, which was the first in Middle East to commit to the aircraft, will take its first of three 787s from LCAL in 2011, says chief executive Samer Majali. It will begin operating the 787 in late 2010 when it takes the first of two from US lessor ILFC, he says.
In total Royal Jordanian plans to lease eight 787s in addition to its order to buy two directly from Boeing. It also holds two 787 options. The aircraft from Boeing will be delivered in late 2013 and early 2014.
“We are thankful the lessors did take the risk on ordering the 787” says Majali, making the aircraft available to the carrier earlier than it could have obtained them via direct orders. Royal Jordanian is taking the aircraft from LCAL on 12-year leases. The 787s will initial replace the airline’s long range Airbus A340s and later its A300s and A310s to give it a single fleet type for its widebody operations, says Majali.
Source: Flight Daily News
