Brazilian carrier TAM Lihnas Aéreas has ordered up to eight Boeing 777-300ERs.

In a teleconference late yesterday the carrier revealed it had placed firm orders for four of the type in addition to four options.

The carrier, which currently operates mostly Airbus aircraft, will begin taking delivery of the General Electric GE90-115B-powered aircraft from the middle of 2008.

In the interim, TAM chief executive Marco Antônio Bologna says the airline will operate three Boeing MD-11 on short-term leases starting next year.

TAM will operate the widebodies to Europe, the airline says.

During the teleconference, Bologna said he is still waiting on Airbus’ decision on its A350XWB program before he makes a further move on the airline’s firm order for 10 A350-900s.

No financial details were immediately available.

This is the first 777-300ER order by a Latin American carrier.

Source: FlightGlobal.com

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