A November to remember

November 2005 was one of the busiest months in recent Commercial Airplanes history.

The business unit last month launched the 747-8 program with firm orders from Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines. The 747-8 will use the technologies of the 787 Dreamliner to significantly boost the passenger and freighter capabilities of the 747 through greater fuel efficiency, improved operating economics, and reduced noise and emissions, among other benefits.

Also that month, Boeing recorded many other noteworthy jetliner order announcements:

• Emirates. The United Arab Emirates–based airline placed a firm order for 42 Boeing 777 airplanes—the largest-ever firm order for the 777. In addition, Emirates said it had taken purchase rights for 20 more 777s.

• International Lease Finance Corp. ILFC said it placed a firm order for 20 787 Dreamliners with four additional options. The airplanes were previously acknowledged on the Boeing Web site, attributed to an unidentified customer

• Low-Cost Aircraft Leasing. LCAL said it placed an order for six 787-8s. The order was placed last May; LCAL was not identified as the customer for that order until its announcement last month.

• Kenya Airways. The African carrier ordered its fourth 777-200ER and placed an option for a fifth.

• Air Canada. The carrier signed a contract last month for up to 36 Boeing 777s and 60 Boeing 787s. The conclusion of the order came six months after the airline announced a fleet renewal plan, subject to a number of conditions.

• Volga-Dnepr Group. The company's AirBridge Cargo airline ordered two Boeing 747-400ER freighters.

• Ariana Afghan Airlines. The carrier and Boeing finalized a fleet renewal plan that includes the lease of two 757-200s from Boeing Capital Corporation, as well as the direct purchase of four Next-Generation 737-700 airplanes.