El Al Israel Airlines signs MoU for purchase and lease of 15 new 787 aircraft

El Al Israel Airlines signed (10-Sep-2015) a MoU to purchase and lease 15 new Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, marking its largest ever aircraft order. The carrier said it is examining various options to finance the purchase. A final agreement must be signed by 30-Oct-2015 or another agreed-upon date, the carrier said, adding: "The final composition of the deal between purchases from Boeing and leasing from airliner leasing companies will be settled when the purchase and leasing agreements for the planes are signed." The carrier also has options for 13 787-10 aircraft and rights for conversion to other 787 models. The carrier currently has a fleet of two 737-700s, 15 737-800s, five 737-900ERs, one 774-400, one 747-400F, six 767-300ER and six 777-200ERs, for a total fleet size of 41 aircraft with an average fleet age of 13.4 years, according to the CAPA Fleet Database. The carrier also with four aircraft in storage with firm orders for three 737-900s. [more - original PR - Hebrew]