Boeing

Air Algerie, the flag carrier of the North African nation of Algeria, welcomed its first Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 today upon arrival in Algiers.

The new airplane is the first to be delivered for Air Algerie's previously announced fleet renewal program. The carrier ordered seven 737-800s and three 737-600s in July 1998 to replace existing 727 and 737-200 airplanes. That order was followed by an additional order for two 737-600s last year. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through 2002.

"We congratulate our valued customer Air Algerie on their new 737-800," said Seddik Belyamani, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group. "They will be flying the newest, most advanced design technology airplane family in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737 provides greater passenger comfort, increased profitability and reduced noise."

Air Algerie - one of the largest carriers in North Africa - has configured its initial 737-800 to carry 162 passengers - 48 in business class and 114 in the economy section. The Boeing 737 family of airplanes provides optimum flexibility. The passenger cabin is equipped with a moveable curtain divider to allow the airline to adjust the relative numbers of business and economy seats.

The versatility of the 737-800 flight deck display will allow pilots to transition from Air Algerie's 737-200s with a minimum of training.