CONTINENTAL Airlines has renegotiated its orders with Boeing, substituting 48 737-700/800s for 18 737-300/500s and 12 767s previously on firm order, and deferring delivery of five 777s by three years. The carrier has taken options on 15 additional 737-700/800s, and added options for eight 757s to its order for eight aircraft to be delivered in 1997/8.
The dollar value of the orders has not changed significantly, the airline says, but the terms are enhanced "-reflecting Continental's improved financial health". The 61 aircraft on firm order will arrive over six years, delivery of the 737-700/800s beginning in late 1997 and early 1998, respectively, and the 777s delayed to 2002-2003.
Continental is US launch customer for the -800, the largest of Boeing's new-generation 737s. The 737s and 757s will replace the airline's entire fleet of 31 Boeing 727s and provide for expected growth. The carrier's five-year plan allows for maximum annual domestic and international growth, in daily flights, of 2.8% and 8.2%.
The Houston, Texas-based carrier says that it is still reviewing a 50-seat regional-jet order for its Continental Express subsidiary, with the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet and Embraer EMB-145 being considered.
Source: Flight International
