Flight International Online news 10:00GMT: Japan Airlines (JAL) has placed a follow-on order with Boeing for five more 777-300ERs and one more 767-300ER freighter.
A spokesman for the future Oneworld alliance carrier confirms from Tokyo that JAL placed orders several months ago for the additional aircraft but the deals were not announced. They were until recently listed on Boeing’s website as being from an unidentified customer.
JAL took delivery of its first 777-300ER from its initial order in June last year and now has four in service. The four remaining from its original order for eight of the type are scheduled for delivery through 2008. The spokesman says two of the additional five aircraft now on order will be delivered in 2007 and 2008, while the remaining three will be delivered after 2008.
The carrier was the Asian launch customer for the new longer-range 777 variant. It was already a major 777 customer with -200s, -200ERs and -300s in service on domestic and international routes.
JAL is also a major operator of 767 passenger aircraft. It ordered three General Electric CF6-80C2-powered 767-300ERFs earlier this year for delivery in June, July and August 2007. At the time it also ordered three more 767-300ER passenger aircraft. The spokesman says the fourth 767-300ERF that was ordered later is due for delivery in June 2008.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
