Five-Plane Deal Doubles Original Order

Boeing and aircraft lessor CIT Aerospace announced this week an order for five additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, worth approximately $810 million at list prices. The order doubles the number of 787 Dreamliners ordered by CIT to 10 airplanes.

In addition, CIT has taken delivery of 31 Boeing Next-Generation 737s and has unfilled orders for 10 Next-Generation 737s on order with Boeing.

"There continues to be high market demand for twin-aisle, more fuel-efficient aircraft," said C. Jeffrey Knittel, president of CIT Transportation Finance. "We are confident that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will deliver the level of technological innovation and comfort that our customers demand."

"Boeing is proud of its successful partnership with CIT, a leader in aircraft leasing, to bring the benefits of the 787 Dreamliner to a widening operator base," said John Feren, vice president of Sales, Leasing & Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "CIT's decision to expand its Boeing 787 fleet reflects the continued confidence of the airplane leasing industry in the airplane's overall value and capability."

Scheduled to enter service in 2008, the composite-bodied 787 is designed to be more efficient than comparable current airliners, and produce fewer emissions. Inside the airplane, passengers will find a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

Boeing notes the Dreamliner is the fastest-selling commercial airplane in history - 46 customers have announced 642 orders since its launch in April 2004. Overall, the 787 Dreamliner order book is valued at more than $100 billion at current list prices.

As ANN has reported, Boeing will publicly roll out the first 787 in a lavish ceremony this Sunday.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.citaerospace.com