Order For 20 Planes, 20 Options Rumored

It could be a VERY big deal for Boeing. Speculation is running high the American planemaker may have finally found a launch customer for its 747-8 Intercontinental passenger jet... Germany's Lufthansa.

The Wall Street Journal reports Lufthansa is expected to announce Wednesday an order for at least 20 of Boeing's latest variant of the evergreen jumbo jet, and take options for 20 more planes. At list prices, the deal is valued at $5 billion.

Depending on who you listen to, the order would either be a significant blow to rival Airbus... or could bolster Lufthansa's fleet until its A380 superjumbos are ready.

Lufthansa was among the first carriers to order the A380, back in 2001. Production delays have plagued the A380 program this year, however, resulting in a nearly-two-year delay in deliveries.

"Lufthansa is one of the leading international carriers and this kind of order illustrates Boeing's growing lead in the wide-body aircraft market," said analyst Craig Fraser to Bloomberg. "They are pulling away from Airbus and taking advantage of Airbus's problems with the A380."

Boeing has 44 firm orders so far for the freighter version of the 747-8, which features engines and some components designed for the 787 Dreamliner. The first Intercontinental could fly by 2010.

Stay tuned.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.lufthansa.com