LOT Polish Airlines orders up to 14 Boeing 787s

Boeing and LOT Polish Airlines today reached an agreement for up to 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

LOT will purchase seven 787-8s, take options on two and hold purchase rights for five more 787s. Excluding options and purchase rights, the order is worth approximately $910 million at list prices. Deliveries begin in 2008.

"Replacing our Boeing 767s with the all-new 787 allows us to lead with new and innovative passenger-comfort features on our North Atlantic operations and will be key in opening new Asian destinations," said LOT President and Chief Executive Marek Grabarek. "The 787 fits perfectly with our cost-reduction and profitability strategies."

Including LOT, 22 airlines have announced firm orders and commitments for 263 Dreamliners since the airplane's launch in April 2004. Three of those are Star Alliance members: LOT, ANA and Air New Zealand.

The 787's range will allow LOT to reach new destinations from Warsaw, such as Los Angeles and Bangkok. LOT, founded in 1929 and headquartered in Warsaw, today serves 48 destinations worldwide.

The 787 family will carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers). The Dreamliner's first flight is scheduled for 2007, with certification, delivery and entry into service in 2008.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Boeing, LOT Polish Airlines, Dreamliner, 787