Boeing (NYSE: BA) this week delivered to Yemen Airways its first Boeing 737-800
airplane. The new airplane is part of a previous order for three 737s placed by the
airline a year ago through a long-term lease agreement with International
Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).
"The 737-800, with its all-new wing design for maximum
lift, aerodynamic efficiency and range, is especially well-suited for our operations from
Sana'a," said Capt. Abdul Khalek Al-Kadi, chairman of Yemen Airways.
"The flexibility of the 737 will allow us to have a more robust operation to help meet our market
needs."
Yemenia will use the new 737s to serve markets
throughout the Middle East and Gulf States region, Europe and Asia. Two more new 737-800s will be
delivered to Yemenia on ILFC leases in 2002.
The 737 airplanes are the most technologically
advanced family in the single-aisle market. They are designed to fly higher, faster, farther, quieter and
with greater fuel efficiency than previous 737 models and the competition.
"Airlines in the Middle East and Gulf state regions
are experiencing tremendous growth, particularly with single-aisle airplanes," said Doug Groseclose, senior
vice president, International Sales, Commercial Airplanes.
All new models of the 737 family feature exceptional
flexibility in size and mission, as well as superior reliability and maintainability. The Next-Generation
models provide passengers with all-new, more spacious interiors with more accessible
overhead luggage bins.
The 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner in
history. To date, more than 4,000 737s have been delivered to more than 200 customers
around the world.
ILFC, based in Los Angeles, owns the world's largest
portfolio of aircraft in terms of asset value. A Boeing customer since 1977, ILFC has ordered a total
of 650 new Boeing jetliners -- more models than any other customer -- including the 727, 737,
747, 757, 767,777, MD-11 and MD-80. ILFC has ordered a total of
214 Next-Generation 737s. |
