Korean Air chooses Dreamliner

and

have announced an order for up to 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a deal worth approximately $2.6 billion at list prices.

The agreement involves 10 firm orders and options for 10 additional 787s. Delivery of the 787-8 airplanes will begin in 2009 and extend through to 2013. Korean Air has yet to announce its 787 engine selection.

“The 787 will help us realise our goals of being one of the world's top ten passenger airlines by 2010 and to reduce our costs by 10 percent," said Y.H. Cho, Korean Air chairman and chief executive officer.

Boeing says it has received 203 orders and commitments from 17 customers for the 787 since launching the jetliner less than a year ago.

Boeing claims the 787, capable of flying at Mach 0.85, will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size and will provide operators with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity.