Boeing

The Boeing Company today announced that Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), the national carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, has taken delivery of its first Boeing Next-Generation 737-800.

The airplane is the first of 15 737-800s SAS has ordered. The airline was the launch customer for the 737-600, and has been a 737 operator since taking delivery of its first -600 in 1998.

"The 737-800 represents a great improvement to SAS domestic operations and to our passengers," said Anders Ehrling, SAS vice president of Domestic Routes. "Not only do we expect overall economic improvement from our 737-800 fleet, but foremost greater comfort, operating performance and radically improved environmental standards."

SAS was formed in 1946 to operate scheduled transatlantic services. The SAS traffic system is built around nonstop routes to and from the Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. SAS offers its customers a network of convenient and efficient travel connections between continents, countries and cities.

"We will put our 737-800 into work right away." Ehrling said. "It will become the backbone of SAS important domestic services throughout Sweden."

The Next Generation 737 models build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airplane, while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. These improvements include a new and larger wing, higher cruise speed, more range, and new engines with improvements in noise, fuel burn and thrust.

"Boeing is very pleased to be delivering this new 737 family member to a valued customer," said John Hayhurst, 737 Programs vice president - general manager. "The 737-800 provides great reliability, excellent comfort, and reduced operating and maintenance costs, presenting the opportunity to achieve better value for our customers."