One Of Two EFB-Equipped Long-Haul Airliners For Carrier

Aeromexico, Mexico’s largest airline, took delivery Wednesday of its first 777 jetliner from Boeing at a ceremony attended by Hispanic dignitaries, community leaders and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire.

With the delivery, Aeromexico also becomes the first airline in the Americas to receive Boeing’s Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). The airline will accept a second 777-200ER in April.

Boeing representatives tell Aero-News the delivery ceremony at Paine Field was attended by Gregoire; Mexican Consul General Jorge Madrazo; Aeromexico CEO Dr. Andres Conesa; Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and General Manager, Airplane Programs, Mike Cave; ILFC Chairman and CEO Steve Udvar-Hazy; GE General Manager of Sales, Americas, Kevin McAllister; and members of the Washington state legislature and senior Mexican community and business leaders.

"This historic event speaks to the long-lasting relationship between Boeing and Washington state and Mexico," Cave said.

The airline plans to use both airplanes to replace Boeing 767s that are coming off of leases on routes to Europe and are part of Aeromexico’s continued fleet renewal plan. The 777s, both of which will be leased from ILFC, provide premium first class accommodations including full-flat seats, a new in-flight entertainment system, new economy class seats and new aircraft interiors.

"With these enhancements, we will provide passengers with the very best commercial travel experience available in Latin America," said Conesa. "The 777 is well-known for its superior operating economics and interiors preferred by passengers. These two planes will provide the best for our long-distance travelers."

"We are very impressed by Aeromexico’s continued forward-looking modernization," said John Wojick, vice president, sales, Latin America and the Caribbean.

"We’re proud to have an airline with such a fine reputation for operational excellence as Aeromexico become Boeing’s EFB launch customer for all of the Americas," said Dan da Silva, vice president of sales and marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "This represents a strong market validation that our EFB offers significant operational benefits to both individual aircraft and entire airlines."

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.aeromexico.com/mex/english/index.html