Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed that All Nippon Airways (ANA) has finalized its agreement to purchase 45 Boeing 737-700 airplanes.

The signing of this definitive agreement increases Boeing Commercial Airplanes' 2003 order total to 86 airplanes.

"This order allows us to simplify our narrow-body fleet with the most cost-efficient and superior-performance airplane in its class," said Yoji Ohashi, president and CEO -- All Nippon Airways. "The Boeing 737 will help us meet our goal of reducing operating costs and increasing return on investment for our shareholders. Additionally, with its passenger-pleasing interior, the new 737s will carry our customers in utmost comfort on even the shortest of distances."

ANA will take delivery of its new 737s starting in 2005. The single-class airplanes will be operated on ANA's domestic and regional networks.

CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric of the United States and Snecma of France, power the 737s. The engines meet community noise restrictions well below current Stage 3 limits and below expected Stage 4 limits.

"We are extremely pleased that after a rigorous analysis ANA has selected the 737 as a centerpiece in their plans for continued growth," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This selection is a reflection of the 737's unmatched reliability, performance and operating economics. Boeing and ANA have been part of each other's successes for the past 50 years, and this is a great start for the 50 years to come."

Boeing in 2003 is celebrating the golden anniversary of its operations in Japan, while ANA last year marked its 50th year of service. For the past five decades, Boeing has witnessed and participated in All Nippon Airways' transformation from its modest beginning with DC-3s, to one of the world's leading airlines today with a fleet of 166 airplanes.

The digitally designed 737-600s/-700s/-800s/-900s are the newest and most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. Outfitted with a new wing and more powerful engines, the new 737s can fly higher, faster and farther than previous models and its competitor. In addition, the new 737's flight deck features the latest liquid-crystal flat-panel displays and is designed to accommodate new communications and flight-management capabilities that promise to reduce flight delays and enhance flight-crew efficiency.

Since its inception, 214 airlines have purchased more than 5,000 737s, making it the best-selling commercial airplane in history. To learn more about the popular single-aisle airplane, visit the 737 Web site.