Boeing

easyJet Airlines has ordered 12 Boeing 737-300s, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed today. Deliveries to the Luton, England-based airline begin in mid 1998 and continue through 1999. This is the first direct purchase from Boeing for the low-cost carrier, which will use the new airplanes to expand and enhance its service from London to continental Europe.

"We're pleased that easyJet, a significant player in a fiercely competitive market, continues to choose our airplanes," said Tom Basacchi, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group vice president, Europe. "The 737, the world's best-selling jetliner, continues to contribute to the success of our airline customers."

Basacchi also noted that the 737 this month captured the top spots in Airfinance Journal's prestigious annual Investors' and Operators' poll.

The poll in the September issue ranks new and used commercial aircraft based on investor appeal, residual value, remarketability potential, value for the money and operational success.

"We're building Europe's leading low-cost airline with what will be one of the world's youngest fleets," said easyJet Chairman Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

The new airplanes will join a fleet of six 737s currently operated by the airline, increasing easyJet's all-Boeing fleet to a total of 18 airplanes.

Total orders for the 737, the industry's most successful commercial jetliner, now stand at 3,798.