The End Of An Era

Boeing Wednesday concluded the remarkable 23-year run of the 757 passenger airplane by delivering the final one to Shanghai Airlines.

The airplane is the 1,050 th Boeing 757. The 757 is one of seven commercial models that have sold more than 1,000 airplanes, and more than 1,030 of the 757s are still in service.

"This is a special day for Boeing. The fact that more than 1,000 757s were selected by 55 customers and remain in service today is a great tribute to the imagination and skill of the Boeing employees who designed and built them," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally. "The 757 holds a special place in aviation history for its efficiency and environmental responsibility, and we continue that heritage of innovation with our current family of airplanes."

Continuing the 757's legacy of innovation, the airplane delivered yesterday is the first 757 certified and delivered as a Chapter 4 airplane, meaning it meets noise limits scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2006.

The airplane is the 13 th 757-200 delivered to Shanghai Airlines, which took delivery of its first 757 in August 1989.

"With the delivery and addition of the last two Boeing 757-200s, these fuel-efficient airplanes will continue to be a mainstay within our fleet," said Captain Ding Xin Guo, senior vice president of Shanghai Airlines. " Shanghai Airlines is dedicated to becoming the most preferred airline in China. The 757 airplanes will provide our passengers with a safe and comfortable flight experience."

Established in 1985 in China's largest city, Shanghai Airlines operates 33 Boeing jetliners including 15 Next-Generation 737s, 12 757-200s, five 767-300s and one 737-300 freighter. The carrier operates more than 100 domestic routes and six regional services to neighboring countries and areas in Asia.

Boeing in late 2003 decided to end 757 production because the increased capabilities of the newest 737s and the potential of the all-new Boeing 787 fulfill the 757 market's needs. The airplane delivered today rolled off the company's Renton, Wash., assembly line last October.

The 757 fleet worldwide has flown more than 35 million hours, which is equivalent to one airplane flying continuously for 4,000 years.

FMI: www.boeing.com