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Both
Boeing and European rival Airbus have seen orders for their
biggest planes dry up as customers opt for improved twin-engined
jets that can fly almost as far.
At Boeing, that has put a question mark over production of the
747, with analysts warning the company could face a $1 billion
accounting charge if the program was shut down.
The U.S. group has made a concerted push for freighter orders to
keep production going.
If the deal with Volga-Dnepr is firmed up, the Russian company
will take on the 20 planes over the next seven years, Boeing
said at the Paris air show on Wednesday.
It did not say how many of the planes would be bought or how
many leased. At list prices, the 20 jets would be worth around
$7.4 billion.
Under the agreement, Volga-Dnepr will also provide its
Antonov-124-100 aircraft for the transportation of aviation
equipment for Boeing and its partners, Boeing said.
Volga-Dnepr took delivery of its first 747-8 freighter in 2012.
"For Volga-Dnepr Group, adding more 747-8 freighters will allow
development of the group's scheduled business, AirBridgeCargo
Airlines, and keep the airline's high growth rates," Boeing
said.
(Reporting by Mark Potter; Editing by James Regan)
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