Boeing

Travel Service took delivery of its first Boeing Next-Generation 737, becoming the first 737-800 operator in Czech Republic. The airplane was delivered on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services.

"Travel Service is entering the new millennium with the most modern airplane available in its class," said Roman Vik, sales director - Travel Service. "The Next Generation 737 provides the range we require and the comfort that will please our customers."

Travel Service provides chartered air travel connecting Prague with destinations throughout Europe as well as in Africa, the Middle East and the Far East.

"We welcome Travel Service to the growing list of Next-Generation 737 operators," said Ulrich Fischer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group sales director - Europe Sales. "It is the most modern jetliner family in its class, meeting or exceeding customer expectations while also proving to be the most efficient."

Travel Service ordered its new 737-800 in a single-class configuration with 186 seats. The airplane has a maximum range of approximately 3,300 nautical miles (5,900 km) with a cruising speed of 0.785 Mach (530 mph).

Travel Service also operates two Boeing 737-400 airplanes on lease, one each through GE Capital Aviation Services, and Babcock and Brown.

The Next-Generation 737-800 incorporates a number of improvements designed for the 21st century, including a new cabin and an advanced technology flight deck featuring the most versatile display system offered on any commercial jetliner.

Next-Generation 737s are powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric Co., of the U.S. and SNECMA of France. The engines meet community noise restrictions well below Stage 3 levels and are more efficient and powerful, while offering lower fuel burn and engine maintenance costs.

With more than 4,500 total orders, the 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time. More than 1,000 Boeing 737s are in the air at any time, with one taking off every 5.5 seconds.