Boeing

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced plans to purchase four 737-900s, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group (BCAG) confirmed today at the Farnborough International Air Show. With this order, the Next-Generation program tops the 1,000 mark.

KLM also becomes the first European airline to purchase the 737-900, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 family. The airline, which operates 36 737s - the 737-300 and 737-400 - and has announced orders for eight 737-800s, will take delivery of the 737-900s in the summer and fall of 2001. The package is valued at approximately $230 million.

The 737-900, powered by CFM56-7 engines, is the longest of the Next-Generation 737s and is designed to accommodate up to 18 more passengers than the 737-800. KLM will operate its 737-900s with a 170-seat dual-class interior, featuring a five-abreast business class.

"The 737-900 will be ideal for our high-density European routes," said KLM President and Chief Executive Officer Leo van Wijk. "We face fierce competition from all fronts, and this airplane - because of its low operating cost, high reliability and environmental benefits - will allow us to maintain our mission of offering a high-quality product at a competitive price. This new model has high commonality with our 737-800 and will increase our group's operational flexibility without added complexity and cost."

KLM recently won the Best-Managed Major Airline of the Year award from Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. The KLM/Northwest Airlines alliance was selected as the Airline of the Year in 1997 by Air Transport World magazine.

"KLM is a very valued customer of Boeing. We are honored by KLM's commitment to our family of airplanes," said Harry Stonecipher, president and chief operating officer - The Boeing Co.. "The 737-900 is tailor-made for the intra-European market. The 737-900 has the lowest unit-costs of any aircraft in its class and I am convinced it will be a tremendous asset in KLM's operation."

The Next-Generation 737 program is the most successful commercial jetliner program in history, with 1,003 orders 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. The 737-900 program was launched in November 1997 and has received a total of 40 orders.