Boeing

The Boeing Company last week delivered Azteca Airlines' (Lineas Aereas Azteca) first Next-Generation 737-700, making it the first airline in Mexico to operate the advanced-technology airplane. Azteca Airlines is a new regional passenger airline that began operations in June with 737-300s.

"The 737-700 will be the star of our fleet," said Rafael Rubio, president and CEO of Azteca Airlines. "The superior reliability and maintainability of the new 737 will provide a solid basis for success and customer satisfaction for our young airline."

Azteca will operate the airplane through a leasing agreement with Pegasus Aviation, Inc. The airplane is valued at approximately $46 million.

Azteca's route destinations include Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Morelia and Uruapan.

"We are honored that Azteca Airlines has chosen Boeing airplanes for its fleet structure," said Daniel da Silva, Boeing vice president of Sales - Latin America. "The 737's proven performance record, spacious new interiors, low operating costs and operational flexibility have made it a popular choice for successful airlines throughout Latin America."

All models of the current 737 family (737-600/-700/-800/-900) feature new, more spacious interiors with more accessible overhead luggage bins, as well as the 737s superior high dispatch reliability. The 737 models also have advanced flight decks featuring the latest large flat panel display technology - one that permits operators to configure the display for maximum commonality with existing fleets. The airplanes are designed to fly higher, faster, farther, quieter and with greater fuel efficiency than previous 737 models and the competition.

"Continuing our long-term commitment to Mexican aviation, we are delighted to be the first to lease the Next-Generation 737 in Mexico and to provide this advanced equipment to the country's newest airline," said Scott Bradford Weiss, vice president of Pegasus Aviation. "The addition of the 737-700 to the Pegasus portfolio continues our strategic direction of adding the latest technologically advanced airplanes to our fleet."