Boeing

Boeing (NYSE: BA) this week delivered to Yemen Airways its first Boeing 737-800 airplane. The new airplane is part of a previous order for three 737s placed by the airline a year ago through a long-term lease agreement with International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

"The 737-800, with its all-new wing design for maximum lift, aerodynamic efficiency and range, is especially well-suited for our operations from Sana'a," said Capt. Abdul Khalek Al-Kadi, chairman of Yemen Airways. "The flexibility of the 737 will allow us to have a more robust operation to help meet our market needs."

Yemenia will use the new 737s to serve markets throughout the Middle East and Gulf States region, Europe and Asia. Two more new 737-800s will be delivered to Yemenia on ILFC leases in 2002.

The 737 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.

"Airlines in the Middle East and Gulf state regions are experiencing tremendous growth, particularly with single-aisle airplanes," said Doug Groseclose, senior vice president, International Sales, Commercial Airplanes.

All new models of the 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 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.