Boeing

The Boeing Company today confirmed Singapore Airlines' (SIA) choice of the 777-200ER (extended range) - the world's longest-range jetliner - to serve ultra long-range routes between Singapore and European destinations.

The airline - known for its award-winning service - announced today it would exercise 10 options from a major 777 order placed in November 1995. The original order - 34 orders and 43 options - was placed just five months after the world's newest and most advanced jetliner family entered service.

"We're absolutely delighted that an airline such as Singapore has demonstrated, through today's announcement, its continuing confidence in the Boeing 777. We also know that Singapore's customers will appreciate the airline's choice, as have customers worldwide, who consistently express overwhelming preference for the 777 in passenger-preference surveys," said Larry Dickenson, senior vice president - Asia / Pacific sales.

In announcing its decision, Singapore Airlines said today's announcement "will allow SIA to phase out progressively the A340-300 fleet, which is currently deployed on the thinner routes to Europe and North America."

Singapore becomes the second carrier to own all models of the 777 currently in production - the 777-200, 777-200ER and 777-300. The 777-200 seats 305 passengers in a conventional, three-class arrangement, while the larger 777-300 typically seats 368 passengers in three classes.

Beginning in 1990, airlines worldwide helped Boeing develop the 777 so it would be the preferred airplane in its class. The result was an airplane that was bigger, faster, more reliable, more spacious and more comfortable than any other airplane in its class.

In addition to today's announcement, which the airline estimated as having a value of $1.9 billion, The Boeing Company has announced at the Paris Air Show firm orders for 62 jetliners valued at approximately $3 billion. Also, International Lease Finance Corporation announced its plans to purchase up to 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 jetliners - the most advanced, efficient and reliable jetliner family in its class.