WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA)
and Copa Airlines today announced an order for 22 Next-Generation
737-800s at a signing ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce
in Washington, D.C. The order
previously was attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's
orders and deliveries website.
"We thank Copa Airlines for this significant order and are very
proud to partner with one of the most successful airlines in the
industry," said Jim Albaugh,
president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Copa's
exceptional business model, ideal geographic position and modern
and efficient fleet will continue to drive its leadership in the
Latin American aviation market."
"These 22 firm aircraft plus 10 options, which deliver between
2015 and 2018, are an integral part of our medium term growth
plan," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of
Copa Airlines. "This is the largest aircraft order in Copa's
history, which is a reflection not only of our confidence in the
future of Latin America and
Panama, but also of our successful
business model, which has made our Hub of the America's the best
connecting point for intra-Latin
America travel."
The 22 firm airplanes are valued at approximately $1.7 billion at list prices and nearly double
Copa's existing Next-Generation 737 fleet. The order is the largest
new aircraft order in Copa Airlines' history and is part of the
airlines' plan to continue to grow its fleet to meet market demands
for new-generation, more fuel-efficient airplanes.
"Today's signing not only celebrates the strong relationship
between Boeing and Copa Airlines, but also symbolizes the strong
political and commercial ties between the
United States and Panama,"
Albaugh said.
The new airplanes will be outfitted with the 737 Boeing Sky
Interior featuring new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals
that provide passengers with a greater connection to the flying
experience. They also will benefit from performance improvements
expected to result in a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption
through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. The
performance improvements will be delivered beginning in mid-2011
through early 2012.
Operating out of the "Hub of the Americas" in Panama City, Copa
provides service to 46 destinations in 24 countries.
In the past two years, Copa has purchased 37 Next-Generation
737-800s new from Boeing and entered into leasing agreements for an
additional 10.
Contact:
Adam Morgan
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 281-386-4396
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com
Patricia Roquebert
Copa Airlines
507 304-2926
mediarelations@copaair.com
Photo and caption are available here:
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/
SOURCE Boeing
