Alitalia has finalised its long-awaited order for Boeing 747-400s with a deal for up to eight aircraft, to be delivered from early next year.
The order is part of a L2,000 billion ($1.1 billion) fleet upgrade agreed by the board in mid-1999, covering new 747-400s to replace its ageing fleet of eight 747-200s, and up to 16 Embraer RJ-145s for its Alitalia Express division (Flight International, 23-29 June, 1999).
Alitalia has placed firm orders for five General Electric CF6-80C2-powered 747-400s, deliveries of which will begin in the first quarter of next year, along with three options.
Acquiring the aircraft will bring the Italian carrier long-haul fleet compatibility with its partner, KLM, which operates 20 GE-powered 747-400s. Both carriers also operate GE-powered Boeing MD-11s.
Source: Flight International
