Three 787-8s, Two 737-900ERs Add Western Flavor To Fleet

Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines signed an order this week for three 787-8 Dreamliners and two 737-900ER (Extended Range) airliners. Based in Baku, Azerbaijan, the airline becomes the first carrier throughout the republics of the former Soviet Union to order the 787 and the 737-900ER.

The order is valued at $609 million at list prices.

"This order is a momentous step in our history," said Jahangir Askerov, director general of Azerbaijan Airlines. "With the twin-aisle 787, we will enter the long-haul market for the first time. By expanding our fleet with long-haul twin-aisle airplanes, we will offer our customers many more choices for far-away destinations. We are eager to enter this new chapter in our proud history, and are delighted to do it with the most capable and comfortable airplanes in the world."

The carrier will operate the 787 on routes to the East, Southeast Asia and North America. The 737-900ERs will be placed on routes to Europe, Russia and other regional destinations.

"We are proud of our partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines," said Craig Jones, Boeing vice president of Sales for Central Asia and Russia. "Since Azerbaijan Airlines took delivery of its first Western-built aircraft in 2000, a Boeing 757, we have worked very successfully with Azerbaijan Airlines. We look forward to being a valued contributor to its future success. We are confident the 787 and 737-900ER will be powerful tools that allow Azerbaijan Airlines to continue its leadership and expand its services for passengers."

Boeing states its upcoming 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than current airplanes of comparable size, and provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity.
The first flight of the 787 is scheduled for 2007, with entry into service in 2008.

The 737-900ER is Boeing's newest addition to its line of 737 single-aisle aircraft, and is the largest member of the 737 family. It seats up to 215 passengers and flies up to 3,200 nautical miles, giving it range comparable to the smaller 737-800.

FMI: www.boeing.com, http://azal.az/en/index.php