Copa Airlines completes order for 22 Boeing Next-Generation 737s

2010-12-01 03:33:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- Copa Airlines and Boeing on Tuesday announced that they completed an order for 22 Next-Generation 737-800s at a signing ceremony at the U.S. Commerce Department.

"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 that will continue to drive its leadership in the Latin American aviation market."

The order was previously attributed to an unidentified purchaser on Boeing's orders and deliveries website. The 22 aircraft are valued at approximately $1.7 billion and nearly double of Copa's current Next-Generation 737 fleet.

In addition, the order is the largest 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.

"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."

The new airplanes will also be equipped with the 737 Boeing Sky interior.

Performance improvements will also benefit Copa, as it is expected that the new aircraft will reduce 2 percent in fuel consumption through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. The performance improvements will be delivered between mid-2011 and early 2012.

Copa Airlines operates out of the "Hub of the Americas" in Panama City. The air carrier provides service to 46 destinations in 24 countries. Over the last two years, Copa has bought 37 Next-Generation 737-800s from Boeing and entered into leasing agreements for and additional 10.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-12-01

Whilst I appreciate the fact that the mods close down these posts as being non-Thai related I am still at a loss to understand why your allowed to post this stuff.