Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Qantas Airways today announced a final agreement for the order of 31 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners. The order is valued at US$2.3 billion at Boeing list prices.

This is the largest single 737 order placed by Qantas for the Next-Generation 737. The airline previously ordered 38 737-800s in increments over the past six years.

Today's order brings the airline's order total with Boeing to 51 airplanes during 2007, including an order posted last month in which Qantas contracted for 20 787-9 Dreamliners, which the airline initially announced in July.

The chief executive officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon, said the 737-800s would have the latest in-flight entertainment technology.

"This further investment in the latest aircraft technology will also underpin our efficiency drive by lowering operating costs, while at the same time minimizing our environmental impact as we grow," he said. "The 737-800 has a 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat and 30 percent lower maintenance cost compared with older equivalent aircraft."

"Qantas is a key 737 customer, and the Australian geography is one where the airplane really proves its value," said Stan Deal, vice president, Asia Pacific Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 will continue to provide excellent economics, reliability and passenger comfort to one of the world's great airlines."

The Boeing Next-Generation 737 family is the world's most popular and reliable single-aisle airplane family. As of Nov. 30, Boeing had logged orders for more than 4,300 Next-Generation 737s, and has unfilled orders for nearly 1,900 airplanes worth more than $135 billion at current list prices.

With the November order for 787s, Qantas is now the second largest customer (and holds the most orders by an airline) for the 787 family, with 50 787-9s and 15 787-8s on order. The airline will operate its 787 fleet with GE Aircraft Engines' GEnx power plants.

The 787s are expected to be used by the Qantas Group's two major brands, Qantas and Jetstar, for both domestic and international operations.