All Nippon Airways finalizes order for 45 Boeing 737s

The Boeing Company today confirmed that All Nippon Airways (ANA) has finalized its agreement to purchase 45 Boeing 737-700 airplanes.

The signing of this definitive agreement increases Boeing Commercial Airplanes' 2003 order total to 86 airplanes.

"This order allows us to simplify our narrow-body fleet with the most cost-efficient and superior-performance airplane in its class," said Yoji Ohashi, president and CEO - All Nippon Airways. "The Boeing 737 will help us meet our goal of reducing operating costs and increasing return on investment for our shareholders. Additionally, with its passenger-pleasing interior, the new 737s will carry our customers in utmost comfort on even the shortest of distances."

ANA will take delivery of its new 737s starting in 2005. The single-class airplanes will be operated on ANA's domestic and regional networks.

CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric of the United States and Snecma of France, power the 737s. The engines exceed current Stage 3 noise limits as well as expected Stage 4 limits.

"We are extremely pleased that after a rigorous analysis ANA has selected the 737 as a centerpiece in their plans for continued growth," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO – Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This selection is a reflection of the 737's unmatched reliability, performance and operating economics. Boeing and ANA have been part of each other's successes for the past 50 years, and this is a great start for the 50 years to come."

Boeing in 2003 is celebrating the golden anniversary of its operations in Japan, while ANA last year marked its 50th year of service. For the past five decades, Boeing has witnessed and participated in All Nippon Airways' transformation from its modest beginning with DC-3s, to one of the world's leading airlines today with a fleet of 166 airplanes.