Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Senegal International today expanded the airline's capabilities with the delivery of the carrier's third Boeing Next-Generation 737-700. The new airplane is equipped with winglets, making it more fuel efficient and offering greater range.

"We're proud of the 737's operational superiority and truly enjoy working with our airline partners to fully implement a successful strategy based on 737 operations," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. "Air Senegal International has set the standard in utilizing this remarkable airplane and has exceeded the expectations of its shareholders and passengers alike."

Air Senegal International has had outstanding success with the Boeing Next-Generation 737. Designed ten years later and boasting one of the highest daily utilization rates in the industry, the Next-Generation 737 flies higher and more efficiently than its main competitor, the Airbus A320.

"This first direct purchase of a Next-Generation 737 is clearly a milestone in our growth as an airline. We are excited about our future prospects and we will continue on our successful course," said CEO Mohamed Fattahi. "The operating efficiency, performance and durability of the 737 serves us well, and has allowed Air Senegal International to add new regional routes in West Africa and increased flights to Europe."

The latest 737-700 to join Air Senegal's fleet was purchased directly from Boeing with financing guarantees by the United States Ex-Im Bank. The airline currently has two 737-700s on lease, as well as a 737-500.

Air Senegal International was launched in early 2001 by Group Royal Air Maroc and the Senegalese government, which holds a 49 percent interest in the airline. In autumn of 2003, the carrier received recognition as the top "African Airline of the Year" by the trade press.

With nearly 500 Boeing airplanes flying across the African continent, Boeing has strong, committed relationships with the region's airlines.

"Boeing is very dedicated to the African market and always looking for ways to participate in the countries where we do business," Monson said. "For instance, this particular delivery saw Boeing partnering with Air Senegal and World Vision to send 16 pallets of humanitarian supplies on the flight to Dakar."

The supplies include medical supplies, school supplies, basketballs and toys. World Vision has a field office in Senegal and will distribute these supplies through a network of partner agencies.

The Next-Generation 737 family is the popular choice of airlines worldwide for its proven capabilities and reliability. Operating at an altitude 2000 feet higher than the competition, the unmatched performance of Boeing's Next-Generation 737 provides airlines better routing options while giving passengers the best in cabin comfort with the award-winning 777-style interior.