Air France-KLM on Tuesday confirmed it is to buy 25 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, part of a major order for 50 long-haul carriers split with European rival Airbus announced last year. "Air France-KLM confirms the signing with Boeing of a firm order contract to acquire 25 Boeing 787-9s and 25 options to buy," a spokesman told AFP.
The planes are part of an order for 50 aircraft agreed in September worth $12 billion (9.4 billion euros), with delivery between 2016 and 2026.
The deal includes options to purchase a further 60 aircraft, making the order potentially worth $27 billion.
"The first Boeing 787-9 will enter service with KLM in 2016 and then with Air France later," the spokesman said.
Negotiations are also underway with British engine manufacturer Rolls Royce as part of finalising the purchase of Airbus A350-900s, the direct rival to the 787, he said.
Air France-KLM is on Thursday to hold a board meeting in Amsterdam to look at austerity measures, particularly for the loss-making Air France part of the business.
