Deals with BA, Gol highlight Boeing's holidays

Boeing announced/finalized several aircraft deals over the holidays, including the signing by British Airways of a contract for 16 787-9s and eight 787-8s worth $4.4 billion at list prices. The deal, originally announced in September (ATWOnline, Sept. 28), includes options for 18 787s and 10 purchase rights.

Brazil's Gol converted its 34 remaining 737-800 options into firm orders and signed a new deal for 40 additional aircraft to be delivered in 2012-14. It now has ordered 161 of the type. The company, which operates the LCC of the same name and Varig, now plans to have 111 aircraft by year end (36 737-700s, 61 -800s and 14 767-300ERs), 116 the following year (31 -700s, 71 -800s and 14 767s) and 151 at the close of 2014 (137 -800s and 14 767s).

South Korea's Jeju Air announced an order for five 737-800s on New Year's Eve. The aircraft are worth $370 million at list prices. The domestic airline currently operates five Dash 8s. In addition, three 787-8s are destined for Air Astana, which also committed to six A320s, according to a statement from the carrier cited in press reports. The orders are worth a combined $950 million, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2012. It also has options for three additional aircraft of each type.