The deal, to be formally unveiled later this month, is already reflected in Boeing’s published order backlog as a contract for 45 planes with an undisclosed customer, said the sources.
Reuters said both Boeing and THAI, Thailand’s national flag carrier, declined to comment on the deal.
The sources added that the aircraft would be powered by engines from GE Aerospace, which currently dominates the market for 787 engines in competition with Britain’s Rolls-Royce.
The deal opens a new chapter for THAI, which is a longstanding customer of Rolls-Royce and it is also a win for GE as the airline currently flies Rolls’ engines on its existing 787s, said the sources.
Industry sources that THAI’s decision to reject the A350 in favour of the 787 was partly influenced by disagreements over engine maintenance pricing with Rolls-Royce.
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