|
Boeing and AeroMexico today formally
announced contracts that will provide Mexico's largest airline 15 Boeing 737-700s with winglets. The
transactions will help significantly reduce the carrier's operating costs.
"One of the principle reasons for this order is to add airplanes
with the latest-generation technology to our fleet," said Arturo
Barahona, chief operating officer of AeroMexico. "These new airplanes will make our
operations more flexible and improve our route coverage."
By replacing its fleet of 15 DC-9s with 737-700s, Aeromexico will
reduce the average age of its fleet from 15.9 years to 10.7 years. The operational
efficiencies and reduced maintenance needs of the Boeing 737 will help lower operational costs and improve
profitability.
In one of the contracts, a sale-leaseback arrangement with Boeing,
AeroMexico will lease six of the jets from Lombard Aviation Capital and the
other five from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). This arrangement will enable AeroMexico to
operate the new airplanes at a lower annual cost. The contract is accounted for on Boeing's orders Web site for
2002 and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer.
In the other contract, AeroMexico will take four additional 737-
700s directly from ILFC for a total of 15 737-700s valued at approximately $500 million.
Lombard Aviation Capital will deliver the first airplane in
October, with remaining deliveries continuing through 2004.
All 15 737-700s will be equipped with winglets - 8-foot-high
wingtip extensions - that reduce fuel consumption up to 3.5 percent, increase range
up to 450 nautical miles from hot, high-altitude airports such as Mexico City,
and reduce engine maintenance costs. The winglets also help operators such as
AeroMexico meet stringent low-noise regulations by reducing takeoff noise.
"We're gratified AeroMexico has decided to remain an all Boeing-operator,"
said John Wojick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for
Latin America and the Caribbean. "The new 737 is the most modern and technologically advanced airplane in
its class. Its new fleet will help AeroMexico remain an industry leader."
|
