EVERETT, Wash. — The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has become the best-selling new airplane in company history.

The Herald of Snohomish County reports that the milestone was passed Thursday, when Qantas finalized a previously announced order for 45 787s.

That brings total firm orders for the Dreamliner to 343 since the launch order was placed by All Nippon Airways nearly two years ago.

The Herald reports that no other plane has done as well in its first two years on the market. The next best was the 747 jumbo jet with 137 firm orders in the two years following the launch order in April 1966.

Boeing officials say production of the 787 could begin next year.

The first deliveries are scheduled for 2008.

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