Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkmenistan Airlines recently concluded a definitive agreement for the purchase of two 717-200 airplanes, which will increase to five the number of the environmentally-friendly, short-haul 717s the airline operates.

The definitive agreement for the two twinjets, which is valued at approximately $78 million, was signed in the capital city of Ashgabat on May 16.

The airplanes, which will be configured for 120 passengers, are scheduled for delivery next year. The new 717s will join Turkmenistan's fleet of three Boeing 717-200, three 737-300 and four 757-200 airplanes. The airline plans to operate the 717s on domestic and regional routes.

"The 717 is the perfect airplane for providing the traveling public with efficient, reliable, comfortable low-cost transportation." said Doug Groseclose, senior vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This member of the Boeing family continues to be a great asset to Turkmenistan Airlines and the people of Turkmenistan."

Turkmenistan Airlines initiated a plan to modernize its fleet with Boeing jetliners in 1992, when the airline became the first in the Commonwealth of Independent States to purchase an airplane from Boeing.

Boeing has received firm orders for 155 717s and has delivered 118 since September 1999.

The 717 is a cost-effective airplane designed specifically to serve quick-turnaround, high-frequency, short-range routes. The airplane now operates in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. It is the only new 100-passenger short-range jetliner in revenue service.

The environmentally friendly 717-200 brings full-size jetliner comfort, low operating costs and high schedule reliability to short-haul markets worldwide.

717 file photos available at http://boeingmedia.com.