Orders 15 Dreamliners, 25 NextGen 737s

Boeing says it's a done deal: newcomer Primaris Airlines has decided to go with the Boeing 7E7-8 Dreamliner and the 737-800 as the cornerstone for the airlines' future fleet development.

The airline announced plans to purchase 20 737-800s and 20 7E7-8s, with options for an additional 25 737-800s and 15 7E7-8s. The firm purchases would be worth approximately $3.8 billion at list prices. Contract negotiations are expected to conclude later this year. Deliveries of the 737-800s will begin in 2007 and the 7E7-8s in 2010.

"Primaris is the first low-cost carrier to select the 7E7 Dreamliner. Its decision validates the 7E7 Dreamliner as a catalyst for new business models," said Mike Bair, Boeing vice president and general manager of the 7E7 program. "The 7E7 will be the airplane of choice for many types of carriers, including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and charter and leisure carriers. It's an incredibly versatile machine."

Primaris joins a growing team of 7E7 launch customers including ANA (All Nippon Airways), a regional and international carrier; Air New Zealand, a long-haul airline; and Europe's Blue Panorama and First Choice, both leisure and scheduled-service carriers. Negotiations continue with additional launch team customers worldwide.

"We welcome Primaris to the team. With the 737s and 7E7s in its fleet, the airline will capitalize on the superior economics, fast turnaround times and low maintenance of Boeing airplanes. Both airplanes fit perfectly into the operational cost structure that is proven with successful low-cost carriers," said Bair.

Primaris is an emerging commercial airline offering distinctive value for business travelers. Primaris plans to equip the Next-Generation 737s with 94 seats in an all business class, while the 7E7s will seat approximately 150 passengers in an all business class. The US domestic carrier intends to build a route structure serving domestic and international business travelers starting in 2005.

The Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner is being designed with airlines, passengers, investors and the environment in mind. The technologically advanced airplane will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide customers with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity, and present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows, and other conveniences.

FMI: www.boeing.com