British Airways Orders Four Boeing 777s

By Bloomberg, AP and Staff Reports

British Airways PLC said Wednesday it ordered four Boeing 777- 200 Extended Range aircraft to bolster its fleet.

The aircraft will be delivered in 2009, the airline said in a statement. British Airways said it also took options for four more aircraft for delivery the following year.

“It was a close decision between the Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s,” said Robert Boyle, the airline’s commercial director.

Chicago-based Boeing Co. said it was working with British Airways to finalize the order for the twin-aisle, twin-engine jets.

The four 777-200s are worth about $805 million at list prices, although customers typically negotiate significant discounts.

The airline said negotiations continue with General Electric Co. and Rolls-Royce PLC about engines for the new planes.

British Airways said it would continue to consider Airbus’ A330, A350 and A380 as well as Boeing’s 787, 777 and 747-8 aircraft in renewing its long-haul fleet over the next decade.

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