Oman Air and Boeing announced Monday at the Dubai Airshow that the airline had purchased order rights for six 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft from the leasing company ALAFCO.
Artist's rendering of an Oman Air Boeing 787-8. (Image by Boeing)
These are not new orders for Boeing, but actually a transfer of orders from the Kuwait-based ALAFCO to Oman Air. Oman Air had originally signed a 12-year-lease agreement for six 787s from ALAFCO in 2007.
Terms of the new deal were not disclosed. ALAFCO did not immediately comment on their motivation for transferring the orders, nor did Oman Air explain the motivation for moving from a lease agreement to outright purchase of the aircraft.
Boeing’s backlog for 787s remains at 819 aircraft.
“Our decision to order the 787-8 is part of Oman Air’s long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes,” said Peter Hill, chief executive officer, Oman Air. “We see direct benefits because of the Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency and operating economics as well as the enhanced travel experience that Oman Air will be able to offer its customers aboard this airplane.”
Oman Air is the flag carrier of the Sultante of Oman, serving 41 cities out of its Muscat hub. It currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, made up of a variety of aircraft from ATR 42s and Embraer 175s to Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s.
Note 11.15.11 12:25am ET: An earlier version of this article did not adequately explain the previous lease agreement between ALAFCO and Oman Air.
