Boeing, RwandAir Announce Order for Two Next-Generation 737-800s

Boeing and RwandAir today announced an order for two Next-Generation 737-800s.

Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the airline is renewing and expanding its fleet to broaden its network. RwandAir currently operates a fleet of regional jets.

"Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800s will enable us to eventually expand to regional hubs across Africa and the Middle East," said John Mirenge, RwandAir chairman. "They will become the mainstay of our fleet."

"Boeing is honored that RwandAir has selected the Next-Generation 737-800 to support its fleet and growth strategy," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The airplane offers reduced operating costs and environmental impact, as well as a new cabin interior that will delight RwandAir's customers."

The new 737 Boeing Sky Interior features bigger stowage bins that pivot up and out of the way, and sculpted side walls that draw attention to the windows. A new design creates a more open feel in the cabin with overhead lighting that resembles the sky.

News Release Issued: SEATTLE, May 6, 2010 2:01 PM EDT /PRNewswire-FirstCall/

Six new Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley on July 6, expanding the RAAF's fleet to 11 next-generation, multi-role air combat aircraft.

The RAAF's first five Super Hornets arrived in Australia on March 26.



"With the arrival of these six new Super Hornets, we will continue to broaden our training as we prepare to achieve Initial Operational Capability later this year," said Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing, which includes the Super Hornet and F-111 aircraft. "Our aircrews and support teams continue to be very impressed with the Super Hornet's remarkable capabilities, performance and reliability."

Australia announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the advanced Block II versions of the Super Hornet, all of which are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Boeing will deliver Australia's 24th Super Hornet in 2011. The first 11 were delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.

"The Super Hornet's proven technologies -- including its fully integrated AESA radar, advanced sensors, two-engine design and network-centric data-sharing environment -- are providing the RAAF with a broad spectrum of new capabilities," said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet program manager for Boeing. "The RAAF Super Hornets enable the two crew members to conduct simultaneous air and ground operations with unprecedented situational awareness."

The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 430 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

News Release Issued: RAAF BASE AMBERLEY, Queensland, July 7, 2010 12:05 PM EDT

Boeing on July 16 successfully completed the final design review (FDR) for P-8I, India's long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The P-8I, based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

Completion of the FDR locks in the design for the aircraft, radar, communications, navigation, mission computing, acoustics and sensors, as well as the ground and test support equipment. It also paves the way for the program to begin assembling the first P-8I aircraft.

"For P-8I, we are incorporating not only India-unique design features, but also India-built subsystems, so this agreement that the design addresses all customer requirements is a huge milestone," said Leland Wight, P-8I program manager for Boeing. "It also leads us to the program's next stage: We are on track to start fabricating the P-8I's empennage section before the end of this year."

During the five-day FDR held in Renton, Wash., Indian Navy officers met with Boeing representatives from Defense, Space & Security and Commercial Airplanes to review relevant design information and performance against specifications.

"The P-8I's unique capabilities are tailored to India's maritime-patrol requirements. It has the reach and capability to defend India's vast coastline and maritime waters," said Vivek Lall, India country lead, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Boeing will deliver the first P-8I to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. India is the first customer for the P-8 outside the United States.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

News Release Issued: SEATTLE, July 26, 2010 6:00 AM EDT

Boeing and Alaska Airlines today announced the carrier has exercised options for two additional Next-Generation 737-800s.



Valued at approximately $153 million at list prices, the Alaska order was posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website in June and attributed to an unidentified customer.

"Alaska Airlines continues to execute a successful and strategic vision based on its expansive fleet of efficient and reliable Next-Generation 737s," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Alaska celebrated its transition to a single fleet in 2008 and with these additional orders, is truly reaping the benefits represented by its slogan, 'Proudly all-Boeing.'

"Through its close partnership with Boeing, and working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska Airlines is also expanding the use of advanced navigational and flight guidance procedures that leverage the superior performance capabilities of the Next-Generation 737. These procedures reduce flight times and congestion and result in lower fuel consumption and emissions into the environment," Dailey said.

"Our financial performance has been strong, and expanding our fleet with these two new 737-800s will not only help us fly more efficiently but also launch new service for our customers, provide positive returns for investors and ultimately, bring some of our furloughed employees back to work," said Alaska Airlines' President Brad Tilden.

Including today's order, Alaska will take delivery of 13 Next-Generation 737s over the next several years. Alaska Airlines has 116 737s in its fleet, including 55 737-800s.

Operating a highly efficient and flexible all-Boeing 737 fleet, Alaska Airlines has established an enviable track record of operational and financial performance. The reliability and flexibility of its 737 fleet has enabled the airline to grow throughout the highly competitive North America market.

The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets.

To date, more than 125 customers have placed orders for more than 5,400 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2,000 airplanes, valued at more than $150 billion at average list prices.

News Release Issued: SEATTLE, July 22, 2010 12:30 PM EDT/PRNewswire-FirstCall/

Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines have signed an agreement to substitute two Next-Generation 737 airplanes for one 767-300ER (extended range) and two 767 Freighters, a new model type for the Baku, Azerbaijan-based airline. The substitution has been updated on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website.



"With our centralized geographic location, Azerbaijan is becoming a busy hub in the region between east and west and north and south," said Jahangir Askerov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines. "We are capitalizing on this development by expanding our long-haul passenger fleet and growing our cargo business with the proven efficiencies of the 767 Freighter."

Including today's announcement, Azerbaijan Airlines has a total of eight Boeing airplanes on order: two 767-300ERs, two 767 Freighters, two Next-Generation 737s and two 787-8s.

"With the economic recovery gaining momentum at various speeds around the world, our customers are making changes to their fleets to accommodate the upturn," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We have worked with Azerbaijan Airlines to make changes to its order book that meet its needs."

The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models -- the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER -- and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.

News Release Issued: FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 22, 2010 4:24 AM EDT/PRNewswire-FirstCall/