Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed order for eight Boeing 777-300ERs valued at $2.4 billion at current list prices, said the US aircraft manufacturer on Tuesday.

The new orders were announced at ceremony held to mark the delivery of the airline's first two 777-300ERs (extended range), a major milestone with Saudi Arabian Airlines.

This order was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website in 2011.

'The new order reiterates our confidence in the 777 which has justifiably earned a reputation for its improved fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort,' said Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines.

'With the ongoing growth of business and industry in Saudi, demand in domestic, regional and international travel is also increasing rapidly and the 777-300ER will play a significant role in our long-term strategy growth to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes,' he added.

The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane can carry passengers up to 14,685 km.

The 777-300ER also offers airlines additional flexibility in serving the nonstop routes that passengers demand.

'We are grateful for the confidence Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed in the 777 and in Boeing,' said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

'We will continue working closely with the airline to provide the best commercial aircraft and services to support its plans for growth, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Saudi Arabia by supporting the Kingdom's goals for technology development and education,' he added-TradeArabia News Service