((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(Added engine details from paragraph 4)
Thai Airways THAI.BK has placed a firm order for 45 Boeing BA.N 787s, with options to increase the size of the deal to around 80 aircraft to meet growing demand for international travel, sources said. the industry.
The deal, due to be officially revealed later this month, already appears in Boeing’s published order book as a contract for 45 planes with an undisclosed customer, they clarified.
Boeing declined to comment and referred questions to Thai Airways, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The planes will be powered by engines from GE Aerospace GA.N, which currently dominates the 787 engine market in competition with Britain’s Rolls-Royce RR.L, the sources said.
This opens a new chapter for the Asian carrier, which is a long-time Rolls-Royce customer, and is also a win for GE as the airline currently uses Rolls engines on its existing 787s, they said. .
The Boeing 787 competes with the Airbus A350, which is only equipped with Rolls engines.
Industry sources said engine negotiations extended to aircraft choice, with Thai’s decision to reject the A350 in favor of the 787 partly influenced by disagreements over aircraft maintenance prices. engines with Rolls.
Rolls-Royce, GE and Airbus declined to comment.