El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) has firmed six purchase rights for B787-9s, while simultaneously securing six new options for the same aircraft type from Boeing. The airline will also convert four of its B787-9 fleet to the larger B787-10 variant.

"This expansion will enable us to increase capacity, improve flight availability, and support the continued growth of our network, particularly on long-haul routes, while enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the customer experience across all classes," the Israeli flag carrier said in a statement.

"By the end of the decade, our Dreamliner fleet is expected to grow from 17 aircraft today to 28, with potential to expand to 34 in the future," it added.

The newly firmed orders are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032, while the newly secured options, if converted, would cover deliveries between 2033 and 2035.

El Al said in a stock market filing that it expected the total cost of the new agreement would be around USD1.5 billion.

The airline currently operates four B787-8s (of which three have yet to resume operations after the airspace restrictions caused by the war on Iran) and thirteen B787-9s. Including the newly firmed options and the conversions, its remaining order book with the manufacturer comprises seven more B787-9s and four B787-10s, as well as the six additional options. The airline's widebody fleet also includes five legacy B777-200ERs.