Boeing

Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Aeromexico today said the airline is acquiring 10 additional Next-Generation 737-700 airplanes for its fleet-modernization program.

Aeromexico ordered eight of the airplanes from Boeing and is leasing the remainder. As the transaction was completed earlier, Boeing has reflected it on its orders website in the "unidentified" category.

"The 737-700 remains a key solution for our airline," said Aeromexico Chief Executive Officer Fernando Flores. "The superior operating economics of the Next-Generation 737s are especially important in light of continued rising fuel costs."

The airplanes will be delivered between July and December, 2005. This order complements Aeromexico's 2003 order for 15 airplanes, 10 of which have been delivered. The remainder will be delivered by the end of November.

The 737-700's short- and long-range flight flexibility provides access to 90 percent of Aeromexico's destinations. The airplane also replaces less efficient older aircraft and will allow Aeromexico to comply with noise reduction laws as required.

Aeromexico's 737-700s have 112 economy-class seats and 12 Clase Premier seats, and the largest available overhead storage bins. As with Aeromexico's other 737s, the new ones will have Blended Winglets -- 8-foot-long wingtip extensions that reduce fuel consumption by approximately 3.5 percent and increase the aircraft's range up to 450 nautical miles. The winglets improve performance at hot, high-altitude airports like Mexico City, reduce airplane noise by lowering the engine thrust required at takeoff, and help reduce engine maintenance costs by reducing wear.