Boeing

The Boeing Company today confirmed an order from WestJet Airlines for two additional 737-700s. WestJet was one of the few profitable North American airlines in 2001, recently achieving its 20th consecutive quarter of profitability.

The value of the new airplanes at list prices is estimated at $100 million. Deliveries are scheduled for November and December this year. In total, WestJet will take delivery of 10 airplanes during 2002, six of which will be leased from GE Capital Aviation Services. The orders announced today were previously accounted for in Boeing's published order totals and attributed to an unidentified customer.

The two new airplanes bring the total number of 737-700s WestJet has on firm order with Boeing to 28. The airline also holds options for 46 other airplanes.

"We're excited about the purchase of two additional 737-700s," said Clive Beddoe, WestJet chairman, president and chief executive officer. "With the substantial capacity we will be adding to the market this year, we have dramatically increased our expansion options."

WestJet also has preliminarily agreed to a short-term lease of two 737-800s to meet the growing demand for its low-fare service. The airline will operate the 737-800s for seven months beginning in May. The airline currently operates a fleet of 28 Boeing 737s, including five 737-700s.

"We're pleased that WestJet continues to solidify its position in the Canadian market," said Toby Bright, Boeing executive vice president of Sales. "The airline is experiencing unprecedented growth during a challenging time in the industry. This purchase further validates what many low cost carriers around the world already know - the 737 is the ideal airplane for this type of service."

WestJet, Canada's leading low-fare airline, has flown more than 13 million passengers on its 21-city route network since its inception in 1996. The airline is the first and only Canadian-based carrier to operate the 737-700 in Canada.

All new models of the Next-Generation 737 family feature exceptional flexibility in size and mission as well as superior reliability and maintainability. The Next-Generation models provide passengers with all-new, more spacious interiors with more accessible overhead luggage bins. The airplanes are the most technologically advanced family in the single-aisle market. They are designed to fly higher, faster, farther, quieter and with greater fuel efficiency than previous 737 models and the competition.

The 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner in history. To date, more than 4,000 737s have been delivered to more than 200 customers around the world.