BA finalises 787 Dreamliner order

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British Airways has finalised an order for 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners valued at up to $4.4bn, the planemaker said.

Boeing said British Airways also had options for 18 more 787 planes and purchase rights for an additional 10.

The deal puts the number of Dreamliners, which are due to go into service next year, ordered at 790.

The purchase had been announced in September, when BA divided its largest aircraft order in nine years between Boeing and Airbus.

"The 787 is a fantastic aircraft and will be a welcome addition to our fleet," BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh said in a statement.

"It will provide major environmental improvements in terms of global emissions, local air quality and noise."

New ground

The Dreamliner breaks new ground with a fuselage made of lightweight carbon composite.

The BA deal is worth $4.4 bn (3.02bn euros, £2.2bn) at list prices, though carriers usually can negotiate deep discounts on sizable orders.

Analysts say Boeing has been more successful at attracting customers for its 787 Dreamliner, as Airbus experienced problems with both its double-decker flagship A380 and its mid-range A350, its rival to the 787.

Wiring and other technical problems delayed delivery of the A380 by two years.