Israeli flag-carrier El Al has cancelled the order for four Boeing 777-200ERs it placed two years ago.

The airline says it has conducted a "renewed examination" of its current fleet and its requirements.

This assessment has been prompted, it adds, by the global changes - notably the economic downturn - which followed its order in March 2008.

It says it has reached a cancellation agreement with Boeing which allows it to put payments already made towards a future aircraft order.

All of the twin-jets were to have been fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines. El Al had originally intended to take delivery of the aircraft in 2012 and 2013.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news