Boeing

Boeing has confirmed that Pembroke Group Limited, an Irish airplane financing, leasing and management group, has ordered two additional Boeing 717-200s. The two airplanes are scheduled for delivery in 2002.

The Dublin-based company already has ordered 25 717-200s. The first of those was delivered to airline customers in 2000.

"We are pleased with our success to date in placing the 717s we ordered earlier," said Shane Cooke, chief executive officer of Pembroke. "Our customers, as well as other 717 operators, are reporting that the performance of the 717 is excellent. We believe the 717 is the perfect replacement for the DC-9 and other aging 100-seat airplane types which are coming close to retirement."

The 717 is designed specifically for short-haul, high-frequency markets, and it makes an effective use of technology to drive down operating costs. The typical 717 has 106 seats in a two-class arrangement and offers passengers big jetliner comfort. Two advanced Rolls-Royce engines power the 717, making it the quietest airplane in its class.

"We're very pleased that the 717 is performing well in service with our airline customers," said Jim Phillips, vice president of the Boeing 717 program.

With today's Pembroke order, there now are a total of 153 firm orders for the 717-200. Currently, there are more than 40 717s in revenue service.

Pembroke manages a fleet of more than 50 airplanes leased to operators worldwide. Pembroke was founded in 1993, and in 1998 Rolls-Royce became a 50 percent shareholder of the group. GATX Capital this week agreed to purchase a 50 percent equity stake in the group. When the transaction is complete, Pembroke will be owned and controlled on a 50-50 basis by Rolls-Royce and GATX.