Lion Air and Boeing make history by finalizing an order of upto 380 B737s

Boeing and Jakarta-based Lion Air have finalized a firm order for 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs (extended range). The agreement, first announced last November in Indonesia, also includes purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes. With orders for 230 airplanes valued at $22.4 billion at list prices, this deal is the largest commercial airplane order ever in Boeing’s history by both dollar value and total number of airplanes. Lion Air will also acquire purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes. Lion Air will be the first airline in Asia to fly the 737 MAX and is the global launch customer for the 737 MAX.

Boeing delivers Soman Air's first B737-900ER

Boeing has delivered the first Next-Generation 737-900ER with the new Boeing Sky Interior to Tajikistan-based Somon Air, making it the first Central Asian carrier to operate an airplane featuring Boeing's innovative interior. The delivery is also Somon Air's first direct purchase of a 737. "This new interior will set Somon Air apart from other regional operators by bringing a new, unmatched flying experience to our valued customers," said Jamshed Rahmonberdiev, chief executive officer, Somon Capital, which owns Somon Air. "Reliability and fuel efficiency are key considerations and the 737-900ER will contribute to our financial performance as well as help us maintain our high standards of safety in accordance with international air transportation standards."

"We congratulate Somon Air on becoming the first carrier in Central Asia to offer the enhanced 737 cabin experience to its passengers," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to playing a role in Somon's future as it continues to expand its network." The Boeing 737-900ER is the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family and is also the highest capacity, longest-range airplane in Boeing's single-aisle fleet. The 737 Boeing Sky Interior takes the passenger experience to a whole new level with new overhead bins, LED lighting, new designs for window reveals and sculpted sidewalls.

As part of Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flights program, Boeing partnered with Somon Air, the U.S. Department of State's Humanitarian Program and Project HOPE to transport medical supplies to the country's capital Dushanbe. The relief shipment of 2,852 pounds of medical supplies will improve the quality of medical care for the less-privileged in Tajikistan and help alleviate the shortage of medicines needed for oncology, psychiatric health and in the treatment of infectious diseases. "Boeing, through its Global Corporate Citizenship (GCC) organization, supports humanitarian efforts around the world in partnership with nongovernmental agencies and non-profits like Project HOPE," said Liz Warman, director of GCC for the Northwest Region. "Our Humanitarian Delivery Flights program is another way we can continue leveraging our resources to help those in need."

UTair finalizes orders with Boeing

Boeing and UTair Aviation, Russia have signed an order for 40 Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplanes, comprised of seven 737-900ERs and 33 737-800s. The agreement was previously announced at the 2011 Paris Air Show. The order is valued at $3.8 billion at list prices. "UTair is a wonderful business partner with Boeing. We are truly proud of the airline's history and accomplishments in Russian commercial aviation. The Next-Generation 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior will enhance their network and customer appeal for both domestic and international routes," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for Russia, Central Asia and Middle East, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. All 40 UTair airplanes will be delivered with the new interior that offers unprecedented passenger appeal and comfort with such features as spacious cabin headroom, overhead bins that disappear into the ceiling yet carry more bags and LED lighting that brings any color into the cabin.

Boeing bags an additional 10 B737-800NG order from Malaysian Airlines

Boeing and Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysia Airlines today announced the airline has exercised an option to purchase 10 additional Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at more than $800 million at current list prices. The airline still has purchase rights for an additional 10 Next-Generation 737-800s remaining from their initial 2008 contract. Today's announcement was made at the Paris Air Show by Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Sales & Marketing Marlin Dailey and Malaysia Airlines Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tengku Dato' Sri Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz. His Excellency Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal, the Malaysian Ambassador to France, was also in Paris for the signing ceremony. "Today we celebrate Malaysia Airlines as key member of the Next-Generation 737 family of operators and we welcome this occasion to strengthen our long-term relationship with a valued partner," Dailey said. "The selection of the Next-Generation 737 to support the airline's strategic fleet modernization plan reinforces the superior economics of the most fuel efficient single-aisle airplane operating in today's market."

Malaysia's 737s are the first in Asia to sport the passenger-pleasing Boeing Sky Interior and are fitted with Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency by up to four percent, increase flying range, and reduce CO2 emissions and takeoff noise. "The option we exercised today marks another step in Malaysia Airlines' mission to strengthen and build upon the airline's award-winning service and passenger value, efforts that support the company's business transformation strategy to profitable operation," said Tengku Azmil. "Boeing's Next-Generation 737, with its economic advantages, including unmatched fuel efficiency, is the right airplane to support our business and our customers." The digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. The 737-800, which can seat up to 189 passengers, is 771 kilograms (1,700 pounds) lighter, can fly 583 kilometers (315 nautical miles) farther while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model. Malaysia Airlines, with a 64-year history as the national carrier of Malaysia, operates a mixed fleet of short- and long-haul airplanes, including 747 passenger and freighter, 777, 737-800s and Classic 737 airplanes. The airline flies nearly 45,000 passengers daily to more than 100 destinations worldwide.

Paris air show - orders soar

Airbus faced the unexpected and daunting task on Monday of delivering a marketing blow to rival Boeing and maintaining momentum for a revamped jet with its two flagship planes grounded at the Paris Air Show. The European planemaker has targeted an order surge worth tens of billions of dollars, but was left reeling as the world's largest aviation event was jinxed by a series of mishaps including a taxiway collision involving the A380 superjumbo. The right-hand wing-tip of a test plane for the world's largest jetliner, with a wingspan of almost 80 meters (yards), scraped a building at Le Bourget airport on Sunday and was withdrawn from the air show's traditional flying displays.

A second aircraft, the delayed European A400M airlifter, was also withdrawn from air display after a gearbox problem but will be allowed to perform in a flypast when French President Nicolas Sarkozy inaugurates the biennial event on Monday. The A380 collision caused dismay hours after the arrival of its new rival Boeing's elongated 747-8 superjumbo which is showing its distinctive silhouette abroad for the first time. The latest version of the legendary 747 jumbo touched down in orange and red "sunrise" livery symbolizing the importance of Asia, whose economic growth is set to dominate aviation in coming years starting with this week's air show. Industry sources expect some sales of both the A380 and 747-8 during the June 20-26 event but the main joust for market share concerns narrow-body, medium-haul 150-seat planes.

The air show could bring two record deals on successive days as Airbus tries to woo buyers for a revamped A320neo with more efficient engines, saving airlines 15 percent in fuel costs. "We clearly believe in the business case and the orders you are going to see at the show are going to be astounding," said David Hess, chief executive of engine maker Pratt & Whitney. Buyers are already camped out in Paris hotels to negotiate the final details of major deals but are aware that Airbus has staked a lot on winning a slew of orders for the A320neo at the Paris show, and some are said to be digging in their heels. A $16 billion provisional deal from IndiGo to buy 180 A320neo passenger jets, first announced in January, was mired in further negotiations that could spill beyond the air show. The deal if finalized would set a record for the number of planes in one transaction. But sources say if all goes to plan it is set to be eclipsed by a 200-plane order being fine-tuned between Airbus and Malaysia's AirAsia.

Demand for aircraft is on a sharp rebound driven by demand from Asia's rapidly growing airports and the Middle East. "Those two markets will enjoy at least one-third if not more of the demand increase for global air traffic in the next decade," said Philip Toy, a managing director at Alix Partners. The Airbus A320neo has also benefited from airline concerns about fuel costs. Boeing said on Sunday it would decide by end-year whether to upgrade its 737 with new engines from about 2016, as Airbus has done, or build an all-new jet in 2019. "They will sell hundreds but it is hard to tell what is gross and what is net, what is a conversion from an earlier order. There are myriad complications," said Teal Group analyst Richard Aboulafia said of the A320neo.

Orders are likely to include a confirmation of an $8 billion 100-plane order from leasing giant ILFC and another plane order for both Airbus and Boeing planes another big lessor, GECAS. But it could be Boeing that grabs attention on day one of the show with a sale of 777 wide-body airplanes to Qatar Airways -- a reminder that the two planemakers are battling for market share on a second front after Airbus revamped its A350. Russia and China will flex their muscles as potential rivals to Airbus and Boeing, especially during a Tuesday visit by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and some analysts expect surprise sales. But Western planemakers say it will be some time before newcomers mount a serious challenge in civil aerospace.

Boeing reached 2010 delivery targert

Boeing recorded 462 commercial airplane deliveries in 2010, meeting company guidance during the year. Boeing posted 530 net commercial orders for the year as air carriers transition from economic recovery to expansion. Boeing Commercial Airplanes maintains a strong order base of 3,443 unfilled orders.With 376 deliveries in 2010, the Next-Generation 737 set a company delivery record for the second consecutive year. The 737 is the industry's most in-demand airplane with 486 net orders as carriers continue to rely on its superior economics, versatility and continuous performance enhancements.The 777 led Boeing's twin-aisle programs with 74 deliveries and 46 net orders in 2010 as the airplane continues to rank at the top of operator, investor and frequent traveler polls for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

During 2010, Boeing announced a series of production rate increases throughout its product line to meet increasing airplane demand from carriers worldwide. The Next-Generation 737 production rate will grow to 35 per month in early 2012 and 38 per month the second quarter of 2013. The 777 production rate will rise from five to seven per month in mid-2011 and grow to 8.3 per month in the first quarter of 2013. The 747-8 Freighter is slated for first delivery mid-year and first delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental is planned for late 2011. The 787 Dreamliner continues in flight test. Boeing expects to provide 2011 commercial airplane delivery guidance when the company releases year-end earnings on January 26th.