Boeing

Southwest Airlines - the largest customer of the world's fastest-selling commercial jetliner - has converted options for six more Next-Generation 737-700s into orders, The Boeing Company confirmed today. The airplanes are scheduled to deliver in 2000.

Since entering service more than a year ago, the Next-Generation 737 models are meeting or exceeding airline expectations and living up to the billing of flying "higher, faster and farther."

Fuel consumption in the Next-Generation fleet is nearly 2.5 percent better than predicted. Southwest is seeing fuel savings of approximately seven percent.

"The most significant benefits to Southwest have been the tremendous fuel savings we experience due to the airplane's more efficient fuel burn and the time we save during maintenance checks due to the practical placement of parts," said Greg Crum, Southwest Airlines' director of flight operations and system chief pilot.

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 21st century. The 737-700 incorporates all the enhancements of the Next-Generation 737 family, including a redesigned cabin and a flight deck featuring the most versatile display system offered on any commercial jetliner.

With more than 4,250 total orders and more than 3,330 deliveries, the Boeing 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time. More than 800 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every six seconds.