Northwest Airlines has announced firm orders for 18 Boeing 787-8s as well as options and purchase rights on a further 50 aircraft. The $2.2 billion deal, revealed by Flight International last month (12-18 April), is another significant victory for Boeing in its battle for market share against the Airbus A350.
The contract brings the number of 787 airline customers to 20, and the orderbook to 255. The first aircraft will arrive in August 2008 and will be the first 787 in North American revenue service. Despite its decision, Northwest appears committed to taking 17 Airbus A330s still on firm order.
GUY NORRIS/LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
