Boeing

Dr. Dinesh A. Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales and president of Boeing Aircraft Trading, today underscored the financial benefits and competitive advantages Indian carriers will gain by investing in the Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner, 777-200LR (Longer Range)/-300ER (Extended Range), and 737-800 with Blended Winglets.

"Our newest airplanes for the medium, long, and ultra-long-haul markets are the right choice for Indian carriers," said Keskar. " Boeing's family of products is clearly positioned to provide superior economics for India 's aviation market."

Keskar's claim is based on the fact that by introducing the most advanced technologies into the all-new 787-8, that airplane can carry a comparable number of passengers more comfortably, while burning 20 percent less fuel and costing 32 percent less per year to maintain than the A330-200. The 787-8 will also fly 1,500 nautical miles more than its competitor, opening new nonstop routes such as Delhi -- New York, Mumbai -- San Francisco, and Bangalore -- Sydney. In addition to the economic benefits and better range capabilities, the 787 will present passengers with innovations including a new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, larger windows, and other conveniences.

The 777-200LR will enable long-range nonstop flights between India and the United States. The airplane seats 11 more passengers, with four tonnes more cargo, than the A340-500. The 777-200LR also burns 20 percent less fuel and costs 15 percent less to maintain per passenger than the A340-500.

The 777-300ER can carry 28 more passengers, with six tonnes more cargo than the A340-600. The airplane also burns 20 percent less fuel and costs 15 percent less to maintain per passenger. In addition to greater profit potential and lower operating costs, the 777-300ER has a higher resale value than its competitor.

The 737-800's economic advantages are the result of its ability to generate more revenue by carrying up to 12 more passengers and approximately one-half tonne more cargo than the A320. Industry data also reveals that the 737-800 costs 15 to 20 percent less to maintain than its competitor and can fly longer distances.

"To compete with airlines throughout the region and the world, Indian carriers will require the most cost effective and competitive advantages of passenger pleasing interiors," said Keskar. "Boeing airplane families are the right choice for Indian carriers as they begin to dramatically expand to connect India to the rest of the world."

Keskar provided a briefing on the "Future of Commercial Air Transportation -- A Boeing Perspective" to the Indian media during the Aero India 2005 show in Bangalore, which runs Feb. 9 to Feb 13. His presentation included an analysis of the commercial aircraft market and the Boeing strategy for delivering products and services that meet market needs and demands. Keskar said India's long-term forecast for air travel is healthy and the pace of liberalization is accelerating in India.

"While Boeing continues to work with companies such as HAL, Infosys and Wipro Technologies, the potential for new partnerships with organizations such as the National Aerospace Laboratories in Bangalore are great," said Keskar.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes has a long history of delivering technologies that meet the needs of airlines and passengers. Boeing is committed to the success of the customers and commercial aviation as demonstrated by the launch of the 787.

The Boeing Company has been associated with Indian commercial aviation for more than 60 years and has enjoyed fruitful partnerships with the Indian airlines, and more recently, India's military.