Saudi Airlines said it had signed a contract for 12 new Boeing 777-300ER and eight 787 Dreamliners for its fleet. The 777-300ER deal was valued at $3.3bn "at average list prices," and includes an option for 10 more of the aircraft, which carry up to 365 passengers, according to a statement from the two companies. A value was not given for the 787 purchase. "Our decision to order the 777-300ER is part of a long-term growth strategy to expand and modernise our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes,' Saudi Airlines director general Khaled al-Mulhim said in the statement. "We see direct benefit because of the 777-300ER's improved fuel efficiency, seat-mile costs and the economics of operating a twin-engine airplane over long distances."