El Al Israel Airlines has amended its Boeing 787 order, converting three 787-9s and exercising an option for a fourth into firm orders for larger 787-10 aircraft. The deal, valued at $1.5 billion, also includes exercising options for six additional 787-9s, with new options for up to six more Dreamliners.
This expansion targets deliveries between 2030 and 2032 for the initial batch, potentially extending to 2033-2035 if all options are exercised. The move boosts long-haul capacity to match projected passenger growth at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
El Al currently operates 17 Dreamliners—four 787-8s and 13 787-9s—with two more leased units incoming, reaching 19 soon. The airline anticipates 28 aircraft by decade’s end, potentially growing to 34 total with full execution.
The 787-10 variant offers higher passenger capacity, up to 310 seats, aiding replacement of aging 777s and enhancing efficiency on U.S. and Asia routes. Signed April 15 as an update to a 2024 contract, the agreement includes spare engines and supports El Al’s market dominance amid regional conflicts.