Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AWAS today announced that the Dublin-based airplane leasing company has placed an order for 31 Next-Generation 737-800s valued at $2.3 billion at list prices.

"These new Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft will offer greater options to our global customer base and future airline clients in support of our growing business," said Franklin Pray, president and chief executive, AWAS. "We hope that we will be in a position to announce further deals of this caliber in the coming years and that the success we have enjoyed during 2007 will continue into 2008 and beyond."

"AWAS, a growing leader in aircraft leasing, has chosen Boeing to provide the very best capability and value in commercial airplanes to its customers around the world," said John Feren, vice president of Sales, Leasing & Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "AWAS recognizes the strong demand among airline operators for the Boeing Next-Generation 737, which is approaching record-level sales for the second year in a row."

The Next-Generation 737 family is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737'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 efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

To date, 109 customers have placed orders for more than 4,300 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 1,800 airplanes, worth over $130 billion at list prices.

Following its recent acquisition of Pegasus Aviation Finance, AWAS is now among the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world. AWAS owns and manages 315 airplanes and serves approximately 129 airline customers around the world. The AWAS fleet features a full range of Boeing jetliners and is a leader in next-generation technology, having become one of the first lessors to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.