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Boeing today confirmed a previously unidentified Southwest Airlines order for
15 additional 737-700 airplanes, increasing the carrier's firm orders to 261
for that model.
Deliveries are scheduled for 2004. Boeing had
previously carried the order on its Web site as an unidentified customer since booking it during the second quarter.
At list prices, the airplanes are valued at approximately $750 million.
"Despite the difficulties in the airline industry, we credit the fortitude and
dedication of the employees of Southwest Airlines with allowing us to increase
our deliveries of Boeing 737-700s," said Jim Parker, vice chairman and CEO of
Southwest Airlines. "With 42 firm orders for 2004 we will be assuring that even
more Americans have the Freedom to Fly."
Southwest, the launch customer for the 737-700, has received 132 of the model
since 1997 (through the end of June 2003). For the remainder of this year, it is
adding 12 more 737-700s to its all-Boeing fleet of nearly 380 airplanes.
"Southwest Airlines' customer service success continues," said Alan
Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We're
honored that Southwest continues to choose the 737 and Boeing for their business partner. Southwest is the low fare role model for airlines around the
world, and the reliable, maintainable, economical and comfortable 737 is a big
part of that success."
Dallas-based Southwest, the fourth largest U.S.-based carrier in terms of
customers boarded, serves 58 cities in 30 states and operates nearly 2,800
flights daily.
Last month the carrier said it would add performance-enhancing Blended
Winglets™ to its current and future 737-700s. Those winglets extend the
airplane's range, save fuel, lower engine maintenance costs and reduce takeoff noise. |
