Will Supplement Q400 Turboprops

Just in time to still count towards 2007 sales figures, Boeing announced Monday a five-plane order from South Korea-based Jeju Air. The carrier ordered five 737-800s, valued at $370 million at list prices.

The 737s will be the first Boeing airplanes to enter the Jeju Air fleet. The airline currently operates five Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 turboprops.

Jeju Air, in a statement, expressed its confidence that "the 737-800 aircraft exactly matches our long term growth requirements for our routes within Korea domestically and to Japan, China and other Asia Pacific regions.

"We also believe that Boeing's modern and enhanced aircraft and initial support will bring great benefits for Jeju Air," said the airline.

"The opportunity to establish a new customer relationship is always an exciting one," said Stan Deal, vice president, Asia Pacific Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Jeju Air has a bright future, and the superior economics, reliability and maintainability of the Next-Generation 737-800 are important attributes in helping Jeju Air successfully meet its growth plans."

Boeing states the 737-800 can seat between 162 to 189 passengers, and fly 260 nautical miles farther and consume six percent less fuel per seat while carrying 12 more passengers than the Airbus A320 Family.

With its first generation introduced in the late 1960s, the 737 has proven to be the backbone of Boeing's jet offerings. The planemaker has recorded orders for more than 4,400 Next-Generation 737s, and has unfilled orders for more than 1,900 airplanes worth more than $140 billion at current list prices.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.jejuair.net