Boeing

Olympic Airways, the flag carrier for Greece, became the newest Next-Generation 737 customer with an order for eight 737-800s, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed today.

"We're pleased that Olympic Airways has chosen the fastest-selling, single-aisle jetliner in history to become the backbone of its short- to medium-range fleet," said Tom Basacchi, vice president -- Europe/Russia, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group.

The announcement comes on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Boeing/Olympic Airways working-together relationship. The order is valued at $408 million, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2000. The 737-800s will replace the carrier's earlier 737 and 727 models.

The Next-Generation 737 family -- the 737-600/-700/-800/-900 -- continues to be the fastest-selling jetliner model in history. Since the program's launch in November 1993, 37 customers have placed orders for 745 Next-Generation 737s.

The 737-800 models are powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric of the U.S. and Snecma of France. The CFM56-7 has a 10-percent higher thrust capability than the CFM56-3C engines powering today's 737s.

The Next-Generation 737 models build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airplane while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. The 737 family has won orders for 3,871 airplanes -- more orders than The Boeing Company's biggest competitor has won for its entire product line since it began business.