Fewer 737s Than Rumored; Total Of 20 CO 787s

Well, the rumor was ALMOST completely accurate. On Tuesday, Boeing and Continental Airlines announced the airline has ordered another 10 787-8 Dreamliners... and, an undisclosed mix of 24 Next-Generation 737s, to replace older models in Continental's fleet.

"The game-changing 787, in combination with the popular 777, will provide Continental with long-range, fuel-efficient capability and the fleet flexibility to react to an ever-changing market," said Mike Bair, Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

The number of 737s ordered is 10 fewer than was rumored earlier by several media outlets -- including ANN -- all citing unnamed industry officials attending the IATA meeting in Paris this week.

Still, it was a pretty good day for Boeing -- as Tuesday's order brings to 20 the number of 787s the airline has on order, the most of any US airline. The value of the 10 new 787s and 24 737s is approximately $3 billion at average list prices.

The first of Continental's 787s will be delivered in 2009. The Next-Generation 737s contained in the new order are scheduled to begin delivery in 2008. Continental has not yet announced what variant(s) of the 737 it will choose.

With Continental's order, Boeing now has 403 orders (350 firm) and commitments from 29 carriers worldwide for the Dreamliner. Continental was the first major US carrier to commit to the 787, which is slated to enter service in 2008.

Boeing says its mostly composite Dreamliner will consume 20 percent less fuel than conventional medium-range airliners, provides carriers with up to 60 percent more cargo revenue capacity while offering passengers a better flying experience.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.continental.com