Flight International online news 11:30GMT: Boeing has confirmed an order from Ariana Afghan Airlines for four new 737-700s for delivery from 2009 as well as a lease deal for two 757-200s.
The manufacturer says in a statement that the agreement was signed last night in Dubai.
In addition to the four purchased 737-700s, Ariana will be leasing two 757-200s from Boeing Capital for delivery this month. They will be used initially for the annual Haj pilgrimage, in which Muslims travel to Mecca.
Boeing says the agreement also includes an advanced training package for Ariana’s flight and cabin crews and maintenance and engineering staff to begin training for the 757-200s that will be delivered later this month.
Ariana will use the aircraft to modernise its ageing fleet, which comprises three Airbus A300B4s, four Boeing 727-200s and a single Antonov An-24
NICHOLAS IONIDES/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
