First Of 30 Planes On Order

Aero-News has learned Japan Airlines (JAL) took delivery this week of its first Boeing Next-Generation 737, a 737-800 that will seat 165 passengers in a two-class configuration. The airplane, which features energy-saving Blended Winglets, is one of 30 737-800s JAL ordered in May 2005.

Representatives with Boeing say JAL selected the 737 because of its confidence in the airplane's technology, flexibility, reliability, and economic and environmental performance.

"This 737-800 represents another significant milestone in our long history with Japan Airlines," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Sales Larry Dickenson. "The 737 is the best airplane in its class for fuel efficiency, providing the lowest operating costs, and leads the industry in reliability."

The newest members of the Boeing 737 family -- the 737-600/-700/-800/-900ER models -- continue the 737's pre-eminence as the world's most popular and reliable commercial jet transport. The entire 737 family has won orders for more than 6,000 airplanes. No other jet airplane in commercial aviation history has achieved the sales success of the 737.

The Boeing 737-800 consistently places as the top-rated airplane in a key investor poll.

FMI: www.jal.com, www.boeing.com