Boeing in talks on orders worth US$87b for 777X

[CHICAGO] Boeing Co is in talks with four airlines on orders for its redesigned 777X jetliner valued at as much as US$87 billion ahead of next month's Dubai Airshow, people familiar with the matter said.

The 255 planes under discussion include as many as 100 to 150 for Dubai-based Emirates, about 50 for Qatar Airways Ltd and as many as 30 for Etihad Airways, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the negotiations are private.

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd is weighing as many as 25 of the aircraft in a transaction that probably would come before the Dubai event, one of the people said. The expo runs Nov 17-21 and is often a showcase for long-haul jets such as the 777.