Boeing, the largest global aircraft manufacturer by revenue, announced on Thursday that British Airways finalized an order for 24 Boeing 787 airliners, eight Boeing 787-8s and 16 Boeing 787-9s. At list prices, the order has a $4.4 billion value.

British Airways, the largest airline and flag carrier of the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe, has also placed options for eighteen 787 planes and purchase rights for ten more, according to a statement released by the giant aircraft manufacturer.
 
In its statement regarding the matter, British Airways said the choice of the 787 is part of its much-anticipated fleet renewal last September.

This deal raised the total number of 787s ordered worldwide from 766 to 790, thus taking the 787 order book past the 787th milestone.

Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, praised the 787 and labeled it as a “fantastic aircraft” which besides being a welcome addition to the British carrier fleet, it will also provide major environmental improvements in terms of global emissions, local air quality and noise.

"With lower operating costs and the range to fly to all our destinations, it will give us more flexibility when planning our route network and we are confident that our customers will enjoy flying on the aircraft," Walsh said.

British Airways announced its decision to go with the 787 Dreamliner as a very important element in its fleet renewal last September. The London-based carrier also said in September that it will power its 787s with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000.

The numerous common elements between the 787 and British Airways' 777 flight deck will make t possible for 777 pilots to train for 787 certification in only five days. The 787 also offers more cargo-revenue capacity than the 767 and similarly sized airplanes.