Boeing

Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed today that International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has ordered 17 jetliners, including nine Next-Generation 737-800s.

The leasing company also announced orders for six 757-200s, one extended-range 767-300ER, and one 777-200ER. Deliveries for the 737s will begin in 2001, 757 deliveries will begin in 1999, the 767 will deliver in 2001 and the 777 will deliver in 1999.

"This order allows us to fill specific near-term customer requirements and strengthens our deliveries in the 2001-2005 time frame," said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, president and chief executive officer - ILFC. "This is a period which we believe will be quite strong for the industry. The confidence we have in the Next-Generation 737, the 757, 767, and 777 aircraft, coupled with our flexible agreements with Boeing, places ILFC in an ideal position to ensure our customers the best possible service."

"We're pleased to share this significant milestone of the Next-Generation program with ILFC," said John Hayhurst, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group vice president - the Americas. "Designed as a family from the very beginning, the Next-Generation 737 represents the pinnacle of choice for both value and reliability."

Hayhurst noted the 737 continues to be rated the best investment among operators in terms of residual value, operational success and value for money.

The Next-Generation 737 program is the most successful commercial airplane program in history, with 1,012 ordered since the program was launched in November 1993. The Next-Generation 737s build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful airplane while incorporating improvements designed for the 21 st century. Boeing has won more orders for the 737 family alone than the company's biggest competitor has won for its entire product line.

Total orders for the entire 737 family of airplanes exceed 4,000. More than 800 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every six seconds.