Boeing boosts 2008 sales with Bangladeshi GMG Airlines and Israeli El Al orders
18 Mar 2008
Private Bangladeshi airline, GMG Airlines, and Israeli flag carrier El Al have announced orders for long-haul 777/787 Boeing aircraft over the weekend.
GMG said that it purchased three 787-9s and three 777-300ERs. It also said that the deal with Boeing would be signed within six weeks, after negotiations with its financiers.
GMG flies domestically and serves international routes to Kolkata, New Delhi, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu.
The Bangladeshi carrier turned profitable for the first time in 2007 on revenue of $43 million. Airline officials have said they expect revenues to climb to nearly $200 million this year as they ferry close to a million passengers.
The airline currently flies seven aircraft, and expects to add a 747-300, two MD-82s and two 767-300s over the coming months.
The new orders will be deployed on routes to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Singapore, Hong Kong and London and will enter fleet service within two years. GMG is also expected to launch services to Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Kuwait and Doha shortly.
Meanwhile, Israeli flag carrier, El Al, increased Boeing's 2008 sales with orders for four 777-200ERs, according to a filing made with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange by the airline.
It said delivery is scheduled for 2012 for three aircraft and one aircraft for 2013. Rolls Royce Trent 800 engines will power the aircraft. The order can be converted to -300Ers.
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