Four Firm Orders, Four Options
Aero-News has learned Boeing and British Airways finalized an
order this week for four Boeing 777-200ER jetliners, valued at more
than $800 million at list prices. British Airways also secured
options for four additional 777-200ERs, which the airline says
would be used to expand its long-haul fleet.
British Airways has a fleet of 43 Boeing 777s, making it
Europe's largest operator of the long-legged twinjet jetliner. "The
Boeing 777 fitted our requirements and could easily be assimilated
into the rest of our long-haul fleet," said Robert Boyle,
commercial director, British Airways.
"We are very pleased to support British Airways' expansion plans
with additional 777s," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central
Asia. "Boeing welcomes this opportunity to demonstrate its ongoing
commitment to British Airways' success -- a commitment that goes
back more than 50 years.
"The 777 has a history of proven performance at British Airways
and other leading airlines around the world. Its decision to expand
its 777 fleet is welcome validation not only of our twin-aisle
product strategy but also of the 777's success in meeting British
Airways' demanding standards of quality," Dailey added.
Boeing says the 777's combination of optimal size, range,
efficiency and cabin comfort has made it the most successful
airplane in its category. With more than 900 orders worldwide, the
777 has captured more than 65 percent of its market since its
launch.
Environmental performance is another key factor in the 777's
appeal for airlines and communities. When it entered service in
1995, the 777 represented a breakthrough in fuel and CO2
efficiency. With its twin-engine efficiency, the 777-200ER burns 24
percent less fuel per seat than its closest four-engine
competitor.
"The 777 was conceived with environmentally progressive
technology in mind, and we keep improving it to keep it quiet and
clean," said Bill Glover, managing director of Environmental
Performance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Environmental
performance is a key consideration in all of our aircraft designs
and the 777 is clearly a pioneer in that regard."
The additional 777s for British Airways will continue to enable
quick and easy transitions for pilots and cabin crew who staff both
airplanes' operations.
"The 777 is a logical, more economical complement to British
Airways' existing fleet of wide-body aircraft," Dailey said.