Boeing

Boeing today confirmed European leisure airline Air 2000 intends to acquire up to eight Boeing 757-200 jetliners. Speaking at ITB Berlin, Toby Bright, Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president - Europe, said delivery of the airplanes is to begin in spring 2003 and continue through 2005.

"The 757 has served us well over the years," said Ken Smith, Air 2000 managing director. "This order confirms the 757 as one of the core aircraft within our fleet. In the highly competitive short-haul leisure travel market, it has the best economics and at the same time is able to deliver the performance needs of our medium-haul requirements."

The United Kingdom-based carrier, which already operates 16 Boeing 757-200 and three 767-300ER (extended range) airplanes in its fleet, plans to use these new replacement 757s on short- and medium-length routes, primarily in Europe. The airplanes will have an all-new 777-style interior and be powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engines.

"We are proud of our strong relationship with Air 2000 and very pleased that they have once again chosen the highly-versatile 757 to suit their specialized and dynamic market," Bright said. "The 757 provides Air 2000 with the operational advantages necessary to maximize profit in the leisure destinations of today and tomorrow."

The versatile 757 can fly short- and medium-haul routes equally efficiently. The airplane is environmentally friendly, quiet and fuel-efficient, and meets strict worldwide standards for engine emissions.

"The commonality of the 757 with Air 2000's existing fleet means it will be easy for them to place these new airplanes into service quickly," said Pat Shanahan, general manager, Boeing 757 program. "The economics of the airplane are unmatched. With the lowest cost per passenger and per trip of any mid-sized commercial jetliner, the 757 is a profit machine."