Tue, Jul 15, 2008
NextGen Jumbo Jet Program Earns Boost
Boeing and Nigeria's Arik Air announced orders Tuesday for an
additional seven Next-Generation 737s at the Farnborough
International Airshow. More importantly, the carrier also said it
plans to order four 747-8 Intercontinentals... giving that program
a needed boost.
As ANN reported, Arik Air ordered 10 737s in
September 2007. The airline already operates six 737-700s.
"We are committed to the advancement of Nigerian aviation
through the utilization of the most modern and reliable airplanes
available today," said Arik Air Chairman Sir Arumemi-Johnson, in
remarks prepared for the event. "With the Next-Generation 737 as
the cornerstone of our regional operations, Arik is well positioned
across the Boeing product line to pursue our growth plan and usher
in a new era of commercial aviation in Nigeria."
Arik Air has five 777-300ERs (Extended Range) and seven 787-9
Dreamliners on order. The airline also announced its intent to
purchase four 747-8 Intercontinentals, an announcement Boeing said
it was "pleased" to hear. Those orders will book and be added to
Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site upon completion of final
contract negotiations.
"Arik Air has set a new standard for commercial airlines
operating in Nigeria," said Ray Conner, vice president of sales,
Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 'We value our relationship with this
remarkable airline and know that operating Boeing jets will
increase Arik's efficiency and offers its passengers the highest
levels of comfort and reliability."
Currently, the only customer for the passenger-version of the
747-8 is Germany's Lufthansa, which has firm orders for 20 of the
planes and another 20 options.
That order was announced in December 2006...
and the lack of any new orders since then (with the exception of
specialized VIP variants) has led some to question whether Boeing
will press ahead with the Intercontinental, or instead focus only
on the 747-8 Freighter.
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