Washington, Jul 23 (IANS/EFE): Delivery giant FedEx said it was acquiring 50 additional 767-300F cargo planes from Boeing under an agreement, with an option to purchase up to 50 additional 767F aircraft over the next few years.
Should FedEx exercise its option and increase the order to 100 767Fs, the programme would cost close to $10 billion.
FedEx's purchase allows Boeing to keep running its 767-300F production line for at least another 10 years.
"Acquiring additional 767F aircraft is a continuation of our very successful air fleet modernization program and will enable us to reduce structural costs, improve our fuel efficiency and enhance the reliability of our global network," FedEx Express president and CEO David J. Bronczek said.
FedEx Express is FedEx's division in charge of acquisitions.
Boeing will deliver the first 50 767Fs to FedEx between 2017 and 2023.