On Monday, Boeing identified Virgin Blue Airlines as the carrier that last month exercised purchase rights for nine Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes. The order was previously included on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site, attributed to an unidentified customer.

Deliveries of these airplanes to the Brisbane, Queensland, Australia-based LCC begin in 2008. The order is valued at $634.5 million at average list prices.

Virgin Blue operates an all-Boeing fleet of 52 Next-Generation 737s, and will use the new aircraft to replace leased planes in its fleet.

"The Next-Generation 737 is a reliable and cost-efficient aircraft, which is essential in our competitive low-cost market," said Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey. "Combined with its passenger comfort and appeal, the Next-Generation 737 is the right choice for Virgin Blue. The Next-Generation 737 is an integral part of our growth strategy."

The airline's fleet is a mix of 737-700s and 737-800s, running a route network stretching from Darwin in northern Australia to Perth in the West and Hobart in the South, and includes high-frequency East Coast services between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

"The 737 continues to be the airplane of choice for successful, established low-cost carriers like Virgin Blue," said Larry Dickenson, vice president, Sales -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As Virgin Blue continues to grow, the Next-Generation 737s will continue to contribute to the airline's bottom line with reliable, efficient and economical service."

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.virginblue.com.au