Boeing [NYSE: BA] has logged 10 more orders for its popular Next-Generation 737-800 from Ryanair, Europe’s largest and most profitable low-cost carrier.
SEATTLE – The order, valued at $705 million at list prices, stems from options contained in a previous purchase contract. Deliveries for this order begin in 2008. The order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website and attributed to an unidentified customer.
The airplanes will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by 3 to 5 percent.
Ryanair recently completed its Boeing 737-200 replacement program, and today operates one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Europe, composed entirely of 737-800s.
„The outstanding reliability and lowest operating costs of Boeing’s 737-800 aircraft lie at the heart of Ryanair’s ability to deliver Europe’s lowest fares and best punctuality to our passengers,“ said Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair. „We are delighted to be buying a further 10 Boeing 737-800s that will allow us to bring even more low fares with a no-fuel-surcharge guarantee to the people of Europe.“
Boeing and Ryanair celebrated the delivery of Ryanair’s 100th Next-Generation 737 in March. Ryanair is the largest European operator of 737s, and second in the world after Southwest Airlines.
The 737-800 is the most popular member of the Next-Generation 737 family, having sold more than 1,780 airplanes. The newer 737s, which are known for their industry-leading reliability and efficient design, are 10 years younger than the competing A320 series and were designed to provide significantly more range and payload capability, improved emissions and community noise, and lower operating costs than earlier 737 models and competing models. As of May 31, 2006, 97 customers have placed orders for more than 3,200 Next-Generation 737s. The program has more than 1,200 units of unfilled orders with a value of about $85 billion at current list prices. For more information about the 737, visit the Web site.