Boeing

VARIG, the largest airline in Latin America, announced an agreement to purchase 39 Boeing jetliners, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed today.

Demonstrating a bold vision for the future, VARIG becomes the first carrier in Latin America to order the 777. VARIG has ordered four 777s, 10 Next-Generation 737-800s, four 737-700s and six extended-range 767-300ERs. In addition, VARIG will place options for four 777-200s and 11 737-700s. The approximate value of the order, including options, is $2.7 billion.

"We worked very hard with Boeing to re-evaluate our fleet needs in order to better serve our flying customers," said VARIG president and chief executive officer Fernando Pinto. "We have been operating Boeing aircraft for many years, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future. The opportunity to acquire the Boeing 777 and the Next-Generation 737 will reinforce our position as a market leader into the next century."

"We're delighted that VARIG is the first airline in Latin America to order the 777," said Harry Stonecipher, president, chief operating officer and acting chief financial officer - The Boeing Company. "VARIG's vision demonstrates its commitment to long-term profitable growth. We're confident these airplanes will meet VARIG's needs well into the next century."

The Boeing 737 is operated by 280 customers in more than 100 countries, and continues to be the best-selling jetliner in commercial aviation history. More than 800 737s are in the air at all times, with one taking off every six seconds. The Next-Generation 737s include a newly designed larger wing, new systems and avionics, a redesigned passenger cabin, higher cruise speed, greater range and new engines. Boeing has received more than 1,000 orders for the best-selling Next-Generation 737 family, which includes the 737-600/ -700/ -800/ -900 models.

The 777-200 is a long-range widebody twinjet with a seating capacity of 305-328 passengers in three classes. The 777 is the most advanced jetliner in production today, featuring fly-by-wire technology and advanced, digitally controlled engines, offering passengers an unmatched level of comfort and speed.

The 767-300ER is the most popular wide-body twinjet operating in its class. The 767's superior economics and long-range flexibility allows airlines to offer more frequent trips to international destinations.

VARIG and its subsidiaries, Rio Sul and Nordeste, currently operate more than 100 Boeing jetliners.