737-800 One Of 18 From Supersized 2005 Order

Friday, Boeing and Air India celebrated the delivery of the first of 18 Next-Generation 737-800s to Air-India Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India. The delivery also marked the first airplane delivered to Air India following the airline's order for 68 Boeing jetliners, the largest commercial airplane order in India's civil aviation history.

The order was placed in December 2005, and announced one month later. It is valued at more than $11 billion at list prices.

Air India's order comprised 27 787-8 Dreamliners, eight 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliners and 15 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes for Air India; and 18 Next-Generation 737-800s for Air-India Express.

"Our commitment to Air India and the Indian aviation industry dates back more than 60 years, and we continue to strengthen that relationship over time," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today marks another great milestone in our partnership with Air India as it embarks on its strategic fleet renewal and expansion plan."

Boeing says the 737-800, which can seat 162 to 189 passengers, can fly 260 nautical miles farther, consume less fuel and carry 12 more passengers than an Airbus A321.

"The 737's reliability, low operating costs and passenger comfort will provide value for both the airline and its customers," said V. Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of Air India, who attended the delivery ceremony. "The induction of this and future aircraft into our fleet will support our mission of providing convenient routes at the most affordable prices to our passengers."

Air India currently operates a Boeing fleet of 11 747-400s, one 747-400 Combi, two 747-300 Combis, four 777-200ERs and seven 737-800s, and also operates 19 Airbus A310-300s.

To date, the Next-Generation 737 has logged 574 net orders in 2006. As of October 30, 101 customers have placed orders for more than 3,500 Next-Generation 737s. The program has 1,442 unfilled orders with a value of nearly $100 billion at current list prices.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.airindia.com