$3 billion for Boeing

has placed an order with

for 10 787-8 Dreamliners and an undisclosed mix of 24 Next-Generation 737s as part of the carrier’s ongoing growth plans.

The order, which was announced yesterday, June 6, brings to 20 the number of 787s the airline has on order, the most of any US airline. The value of the 10 new 787s and 24 737s is approximately $3 billion at average list prices.

The first of Continental's 787s will be delivered in 2009. The Next-Generation 737s contained in the new order are scheduled to begin delivery in 2008.

"The game-changing 787, in combination with the popular 777, will provide Continental with long-range, fuel-efficient capability and the fleet flexibility to react to an ever-changing market," said Mike Bair, Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

Along with Continental’s order, Boeing now has 403 orders and commitments from 29 carriers worldwide for the Dreamliner. Continental was the first major

carrier to commit to the 787, which is slated to enter service in 2008.