Boeing

Lineas Aereas Privadas Argentinas (LAPA) has purchased six Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 jetliners, valued at approximately $270 million at list prices, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group confirmed today.

This order was accounted for in cumulative order totals published recently by Boeing. Until this announcement, the customer for the order was listed as "unidentified".

LAPA has operated the 737-700 since July 1998, making it the first Latin American carrier to operate the Next-Generation model.

LAPA is modeled after the no-frills Southwest Airlines of Dallas. LAPA's success has been significant since the airline began as a turboprop operation in 1977 and sustained growth to capture more than 35 percent of the market in the first quarter of 2000. LAPA now has more than 1400 employees and carries 2.5 million passengers annually.

"We focus on providing our customers with the newest most advanced-technology airplane," said Andy Deutsch, LAPA president. "These new 737-700 jetliners will further enable LAPA to provide our customers with the greatest comfort and reliability. This is the ideal airplane to help fulfill our vision to be the leading domestic carrier and become a significant regional player."

In addition to scheduled service, LAPA operates extensive charter flights to Brazil and the Caribbean as Argentina's leader in this market. The airline soon will add flights to Puerto Rico (USA), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Cancún (Mexico), Varadero (Cuba), and Saint Maarten.

"We are delighted to be the airplane manufacturer of choice for LAPA," said Seddik Belyamani, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group. "LAPA has selected the leader in its class, as 62 customers worldwide have placed orders for more than 1,450 Next-Generation 737s. Since their launch in 1993, the Boeing Next-Generation 737 models have become the fastest-selling airplanes in the world."

The Next-Generation 737 builds on the strengths that have made the Boeing 737 the world's most successful airplane, while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. New engines and an all new wing give the jetliner superior range and higher cruise altitude to get above turbulence or air traffic - even from short and challenging airfields. Quiet operation, well beyond Stage 3 regulations, and low emissions ensure that the 737-700 is welcome at even the most restrictive airports. The new flight deck features the most versatile display system offered on any commercial jetliner.

The Boeing 737 is operated by 280 customers in more than 100 countries and continues to be the best-selling jetliner in commercial aviation history. More than 1,000 737s are in the air at all times, with one taking off every 5.5 seconds. The 737 family alone has won orders for more than 4,500 airplanes. So far this year, six airlines have selected the Next-Generation 737 over the competition.

In addition to its extensive 737 fleet, LAPA operates Boeing 767-300 and 757-200 airplanes. Last year, LAPA became a flag carrier operating scheduled regular service between Buenos Aires and Atlanta with a 767-300ER.