Boeing announced last week that Spanish carrier Air Europa has converted purchase rights into orders for 16 Boeing 737-800 airliners. The airplanes are valued at approximately $1 billion at list prices, and will be delivered between 2010 and 2014.

Air Europa currently has 30 Boeing Next-Generation 737s in its fleet, and another 34 on order.

“The 737-800 is the ideal airplane for our short- and medium-haul routes, providing great performance. These additional 16 aircraft will replace other Boeing Next-Generation aircraft with the objective to remain one of the most modern airlines in Europe with airplanes that are less than 10 years old,” said Juan José Hidalgo, chairman of the Globalia Corporación Empresarial.

Air Europa will use these new airplanes on domestic routes within Spain, including the Balearic and Canary islands, as well as on European and North African routes.

"The Boeing 737 is the backbone of Air Europa’s single-aisle fleet. The airline’s trust in the Next-Generation Boeing 737 is strong recognition of the value it brings to the airline and its passengers," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia. "Boeing offers the very best product and service solutions to ensure Air Europa's success."

Boeing touts the 737 airplane family as the world's best-selling commercial jet airplane, with more than 6,200 ordered by 232 customers.

Founded in 1986, Air Europa is the air travel division of Globalia Corporación Empresarial. Since 1991, Air Europa has focused on becoming one of the leading airlines in Europe. Air Europa operates a fleet of 35 Boeing aircraft on a network that includes most of the Spanish territory.

FMI: www.aireuropa.com, www.boeing.com