Mike Martin
Boeing announced a raft of orders together worth more than $2 billion yesterday.
The biggest order, totalling $1.27 billion, was from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) for nine extended range 767-300ERs and three 767-400ERs. All the aircraft will be powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 engines.
GECAS says nine of the aircraft have already been placed with customers. Its total orders for the 767 now stand at 44.
Boeing also announced that Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) will add 14 Next Generation 737s to its fleet in a deal worth about $600 million.
SAS is exercising nine options from a 1995 order and has placed a firm order for an additional five aircraft. Currently undergoing a fleet modernisation programme, the airline - launch customer for 737-600 - has the right to choose 737-600s, -700s or -800s.
Superior
"SAS selected the 737-600 on the basis of its cost-effectiveness and superior environmental attributes," says Jan Stenberg, SAS president.
"The decisive factors in our choice of the Next Generation 737 were the airplane's flexibility, economy and friendly environmental features."
Another order, for five NG 737-800s, came from GATX Capital. It brings the company's fleet of Next Generation aircraft to 15.
Boeing also announced a memorandum of understanding with airline start-up PeaceAir of Sri Lanka for of a 747-400 Combi ($180 million) and the sale of NG737-700 with one option.
Cronus Airlines has ordered two NG737-700s.
Source: Flight Daily News
