LHA will order 34 jets if Boeing decides to build them
Reuters) - Deutsche Lufthansa (LHA.DE) looks poised to place an order for up to 34 revamped Boeing 777-9X passenger planes as part of a fleet overhaul to be unveiled on Thursday, two people familiar with the matter said.
The provisional order, which can only be completed when Boeing formally decides to build the proposed 406-seat twinjet, includes both firm orders and options, they said on Wednesday.
One of the people said the deal penciled in firm orders for 20 aircraft, with options making up the remaining 14.
If confirmed, the core part of the order could be worth $7 billion, based on estimates of the list price of the enhanced 777-9X, whose new wings and engines are expected to fetch a premium over Boeing's largest existing twinjet, the 777-300ER.
Industry sources have said the renewal of Lufthansa's long-haul fleet is also likely to include an order for 20-25 Airbus (EAD.PA) A350-900s, also worth up to $7 billion at list prices.
Lufthansa and Boeing declined to comment ahead of a news conference called by the airline for Thursday.
Last edited by underfire; 18th Sep 2013 at 23:06.