Boeing

Axon Airlines of Greece has leased two Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft from Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Company.

Axon Airlines, a new carrier based in Athens, will begin operating regular flights within Europe this summer. By the end of 1999, the carrier plans to have a fleet of five aircraft.

Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Company belongs to the Schoerghuber Group of Munich, Germany. This newly delivered 737-700 brings the Schoerghuber Group's Bavaria fleet of aircraft to a total of 23, leased to airline operators worldwide.

"Due to the very good traditional relations between our countries, we have an excellent basis for our common activities," said Robert Salzl, member of the executive board of the Schoerghuber Group. "We see a great future for this new airline in Greece as there is a big demand for reliable and comfortable service. The management of Axon Airlines has impressed us with their previous experience in the airline industry and their energy in building a leading airline within Greece."

"We are looking forward to operating the new Boeing 737-700s on our route network, which will be established with valuable connections between Athens and major cities in Europe," Haris Koutas, managing director, Axon Airlines, added. "We are proud to be the first Greek airline to operate the Boeing 737-700, which we believe will provide even more reliability and comfort than the already well-proven Boeing 737 classic airplanes."

"Boeing is very pleased to have Axon Airlines join the growing family of Next-Generation 737 operators," said Tom Basacchi, vice president - Europe/Russia Sales. "We are pleased, also, that Bavaria Leasing, a valued Boeing customer for more than 20 years, is playing a major role in bringing Axon Airlines and The Boeing Company together. We expect this to be a long and prosperous relationship for everyone."

The 737 family is focused on delivering value to airlines through high reliability, simplicity and reduced operating and maintenance costs. The Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800/-900 models offer flight deck commonality with earlier 737 models and allow flight crews to maintain the same type ratings.

With 4,250 orders placed by customers worldwide, the Boeing 737 family is the best-selling commercial jetliner in the world.