Leasing Company AWAS Orders 737s

Capping an impressive week for sales, on Friday Boeing and Dublin-based airplane leasing company AWAS announced an order for 31 737-800s, valued at $2.3 billion at list prices.

"These new Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft will offer greater options to our global customer base and future airline clients in support of our growing business," said Franklin Pray, president and chief executive, AWAS. "We hope that we will be in a position to announce further deals of this caliber in the coming years and that the success we have enjoyed during 2007 will continue into 2008 and beyond."

Following its recent acquisition of Pegasus Aviation Finance, AWAS is now among the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world. AWAS owns and manages 315 airplanes, and serves approximately 129 airline customers. The AWAS fleet features a full range of Boeing jetliners, and was one of the first lessors to order the 787 Dreamliner.

"AWAS, a growing leader in aircraft leasing, has chosen Boeing to provide the very best capability and value in commercial airplanes to its customers around the world," said John Feren, vice president of Sales, Leasing & Asset Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "AWAS recognizes the strong demand among airline operators for the Boeing Next-Generation 737, which is approaching record-level sales for the second year in a row."

Boeing notes that to date, 109 customers have placed orders for more than 4,300 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 1,800 airplanes, worth over $130 billion at list prices.

Perhaps of more immediate importance, however, is the impact the 31-plane deal will have on Boeing's year-to-date sales numbers. With just over two weeks to go in 2007, Boeing trailed European rival Airbus by about 60 orders, based on the latest published numbers from both companies. That figure doesn't include the AWAS deal, however.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.awas.com