Boeing and British Airways have finalized the deal under which the UK carrier will buy 24 of the U.S. plane maker's 787 Dreamliner aircraft. It is considered particularly significant for Boeing as it takes the number of its 787 aircraft ordered by airlines to more than 787.

At list prices the order is worth $4.4b (£2.2b), though airlines are usually able to negotiate discounts.
“Reaching the 787th order is significant for the program and it is great that we get to celebrate it with British Airways,” said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.
The deal marks part of BA's fleet renewal program, which includes an order for 12 A380 ""super jumbo"" aircraft from Boeing's archrival, Airbus. BA is also looking at its options in the mid-range sector, where the choice is between Boeing's 777 aircraft and the Airbus A350XWB. A decision is not expected until 2009.
BA said the 787s would be used for long-haul flights, replacing Boeing 767 aircraft. “With lower operating costs and the range to fly to all our destinations, it will give us more flexibility when planning our route network,” said Willie Walsh, BA chief executive. “It will provide major environmental improvements in terms of global emissions, local air quality and noise.”
(Source: The Guardian)