Panama-Based Airline Places Firm Order For 13, Options 8

Boeing is still selling the 737. The Panamanian-based carrier Copa Airlines says it will buy 13 Boeing 737-800 airplanes, which at Boeing list prices represents a total investment of approximately $1 billion.

The total number of Boeing Next-Generation 737s Copa has on firm order now stands at 27. Delivery of the 13 newly ordered airplanes is scheduled to begin in 2012 and end in 2015, with the eight additional options scheduled for delivery between 2015 and 2017.

These new airplanes will be outfitted with Boeing's "Sky Interior", featuring new 787-style modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that provide passengers with a greater connection to the flying experience. They will also benefit from performance enhancements expected to result in a two percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements.

"The Boeing 737s have been a major factor in Copa's success, providing us with operating and cost efficiencies, and enabling us to offer our passengers world-class service and an extensive route network throughout Latin America," said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "This order reaffirms our confidence in our business model and the growth potential of Latin American aviation."

"Copa Airlines continues to be successful in a very challenging economic environment through the use of the Next-Generation 737 latest technology and superior economics," said Scott Carson, President and CEO of Boeing.

Copa was the first carrier in the Americas to incorporate blended winglets on its 737s. All of its Next-Generation 737s use the distinctive curved wing ends, which improve fuel efficiency and lift while reducing engine wear and carbon dioxide emissions. Copa also was the first in the region to order Next- Generation 737s with the Vertical Situation Display (VSD) system, which enhances safety by providing pilots with an easy-to-understand flight-path view.

FMI: www.boeing.com