Boeing

Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Ryanair, Europe's largest and most profitable low-fares airline, announced today an order for 32 Next-Generation 737-800s.

Deliveries for this order to the Dublin-based carrier, valued at $2.25 billion at list prices, are scheduled to begin in 2008. The order involves exercising options included in a previous purchase contract.

"With its exceptional reliability, environmental performance and low operating costs, the Boeing 737-800 has played an important role in enabling Ryanair to deliver Europe's lowest fares and unmatched punctuality to our passengers," said Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair. "By adding 32 more Boeing 737-800s to our fleet, Ryanair will offer more low fares to even more destinations, and will grow to serve over 80 million passengers per year by 2012."

Ryanair is the largest European operator of 737s and operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe, composed entirely of 737-800s. To date, Ryanair has ordered 281 737-800s.

"The Boeing 737-800 has played a key role in Ryanair's leadership in the low-fare market. Boeing is very proud of our strong partnership and Ryanair's proven track record of delivering outstanding value to their customers and shareholders," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The popular Next-Generation 737 continues to bring exceptional value to Ryanair and travelers across Europe."

The 737-800 is the most popular member of the Next-Generation 737 family, with more than 1,860 airplanes ordered. The 737-800's market success is confirmed by air finance investors, who consistently rank it as the most preferred airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

The newer 737s, which are known for their industry-leading reliability and efficient design, are 10 years younger than the competing A320 series and were designed to provide significantly more range and payload capability, improved emissions, and lower operating costs than earlier 737 models and competing models.

As of Aug. 31, 2006, 100 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 Next-Generation 737s; the program has 1,360 unfilled orders with a value of about $91 billion at current list prices.