Boeing

The CIT Group (NYSE: CIT) today became a new Boeing customer, announcing an order for 10 Next-Generation 737s. Deliveries of the new airplanes are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2001 and continue through 2003.

"We're delighted to welcome The CIT Group to the growing list of 737 customers. The Next-Generation 737 - the most modern jetliner family in its class - will delight CIT, its customers and their passengers for years to come," said Seddik Belyamani, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group executive vice president - Sales and Marketing. "Today's announcement further underscores the incredible market acceptance of the entire 737 family, as well as the reliability of the Next-Generation 737 as a dependable investment with solid residual values."

The Next-Generation 737, which entered service in 1998, builds on the strengths that have made the Boeing 737 the world's most successful airplane, while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. The enhancements of the Next-Generation 737 family include a redesigned cabin and a flight deck featuring the most versatile display system offered on any commercial jetliner.

With more than 4,270 total orders, the 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time. More than 800 Boeing 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every six seconds.

The CIT Group is a leading diversified financial services organization with over $27 billion in total managed assets. It's Capital Finance Aerospace unit owns and manages more than 200 commercial airplanes leased to more than 70 airlines worldwide.