Boeing

Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the flag carrier for the Kingdom of Morocco, took delivery of its first Next-Generation 737-800, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group announced today. The carrier is the first non-U.S. airline with regularly scheduled passenger service to take delivery of this new model. The airplane is the first of nine Next-Generation 737s ordered by the airline in October 1996. RAM will use its new 737s to expand its routes throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The RAM delivery flight is transporting approximately 5,000 pounds of medical supplies from Northwest Medical Teams, of Portland, Oregon. The shipment will be distributed to three different hospitals in Morocco.

Based in Casablanca, RAM has been a Boeing customer since 1970, when it took delivery of its first jetliner, a 727-200. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 25 Boeing airplanes, including the 727-200, 737-200, 737-400, 737-500, 747-200M, 747-400 and 757-200.

"RAM has been very successful with its current fleet of 737s," said Seddik Belyamani, vice president - South Asia/Pacific, Africa, Middle East for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. "The airline recognizes the strengths of the 737 family and will enhance its operation with the acquisition of these new, market-leading 737-800 twinjets. We are proud of our association with Royal Air Maroc and are looking forward to strengthening our partnership, which started 28 years ago."

The 737-800 is a new, stretched version of the current 737-400. It incorporates all the enhancements found on other members of the Next-Generation 737 family, including a redesigned passenger cabin; a flight deck featuring the most versatile display system offered on any commercial jetliner, and improvements in operating performance. The 737-800 can carry up to 189 passengers. Royal Air Maroc's 737-800 will be configured for 153 seats, including 24 in first class and 129 in economy.

The Next-Generation 737 program is the most successful commercial airplane program in history with more than 900 sold since it became available in 1994. Total orders for the entire 737 family number more than 4,000, making it the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time. It delivers more value to airlines in the form of reliability, simplicity, and reduced operating and maintenance costs. In addition, the Next-Generation models offer flight deck commonality with previous 737s, allowing flight crews to maintain the same type rating. More than 800 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every six seconds.