Boeing

Led by strong interest in its new Longer-Range 777 models, Boeing and its airline customers wrapped up sales announcements at Farnborough International 2000 earlier today with cumulative order activity for 139 airplanes totaling $15 billion. When options and purchase rights are included, total activity rises to 208 airplanes valued at $20.7 billion.

Included in this week's announcements were 63 777 twinjets (plus an additional 17 options/purchase rights), which dominated the medium-sized jet transport category. "The success of the 777 family this week is a clear indication that we have the preferred solution for our customers in this market segment," said Seddik Belyamani, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group.

The new Longer-Range 777s fly faster and farther than any airplane in their class, offering airlines the capability and flexibility to provide the non-stop, point-to-point service that passengers prefer.

"Airlines continue to tell us that the operating economics and performance of the airplane are delivering terrific bottom line results while their passengers continue to seek out the airplane because of its unmatched levels of comfort and cabin spaciousness," Belyamani said.

As markets continue to transform and fragment in the wake of global deregulation, and passenger preference for comfort and convenience drive travel habits, Boeing expects the demand for airplanes like the 777 to grow steadily.

Airplane lessors GE Capital Aviation Services and International Lease Finance Corporation placed Longer-Range 777 and Next-Generation 737 orders early in the week and joined other Longer-Range 777 customers EVA and Japan Airlines in welcoming a new customer, All Nippon Airlines, at a customer celebration Tuesday. Emirates and Singapore followed with 777-300s and 777-200s and -200ER commitments.

The Next-Generation 737 family continued to notch brisk sales, with customer announcements totaling 72 airplanes at Farnborough (plus an additional 52 options/purchase rights), while Turkmenistan Airways ordered three 717s and Korean Air ordered one 747-400F later in the week.