Contract double for Boeing

Boeing has signed contracts with Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways for three additional 787-8 Dreamliners and two 777 Freighters respectively.

Boeing and Kenya Airways signed an order in Nairobi on December 15 for three additional 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline now has nine 787s on order, and also holds four options. The airline's original order for six Boeing 787s was made in March and included six options.

Kenya Airways will receive its first 787 in October 2010 with the deliveries of the nine Dreamliners extending out to late 2012.

Boeing also announced recently that Qatar Airways has placed an order for two 777 Freighters.

According to Boeing, the Middle East has been experiencing continued strong air cargo growth and accounts for 5.8 per cent of the world's tonnage into, out of, and within the region.

Qatar Airways will start receiving the 22 Boeing 777s it has on order in November 2007. Deliveries will extend to mid-2010.