Boeing

The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Company today congratulated Eritrean Airlines as one of the newest customers of the 767 family. The flag-carrier took delivery of its first 767-300ER (extended-range) airplane this month as preparations for new operations begin.

The airline's first Boeing 767-300ER is being leased through Boeing Aircraft Trading and is the first of a series of airplanes that will enter the carrier's fleet.

Eritrean Airlines will operate scheduled regional and cargo services from its Eritrean headquarters in Asmara, linking Eritrean passengers to destinations in Europe and other parts of Africa.

"This is truly a historic day for our airline," said Asress Araia, chief executive officer for Eritrean Airlines. "This airplane marks the beginning of a new era in international commerce and communication for the people of Eritrea and will allow us the freedom to transport people and cargo in and out of our young nation."

"We'd like to thank Boeing and its employees for their diligence in designing and producing this outstanding aircraft to meet our needs," Asress added.

The 767 is the most popular wide-body airplane in production and has the proven range, profitability, reliability and well-earned reputation for providing outstanding value to other East African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Seychelles and Air Mauritius.

"We are very proud to hold such an honorable place in the history of Eritrean Airlines," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Sales and president of Boeing Aircraft Trading -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 767-300ER provides the perfect complement to the current business requirement and future route plans of Eritrean, and we look forward to being a part of their success."

The popular 767 offers the lowest operating cost per trip of any twin-aisle airplane. There are more than 900 767 airplanes in service with more than 80 operators around the world. The 767 has accumulated more than 9 million flights and carried millions of passengers.