Singapore Airlines Announces Boeing 777 Order

SEATTLE, Nov. 14, 1995 -- Singapore Airlines (SIA) today announced it will order 34 Boeing 777s and place options for an additional 43 777 airplanes, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirms. Total value of the order with options is approximately $12.7 billion. Six of the firm orders and ten of the options are intended for Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) -- the leasing associate of SIA, based in Singapore.

Singapore Airlines has selected Rolls Royce Trent engines to power the 61 Boeing 777s intended for SIA. No decision has yet been made by SALE on the engines for the 16 airplanes they intend to buy.

"Singapore Airlines is one of the world's great airlines," said Ron Woodard, president, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. "In terms of product and service, they demand the best, and we believe that's why they chose the Boeing 777."

Deliveries for SIA's 777s will occur between 1997 and 2004, which will allow SIA to maintain capacity growth of 8-10 percent a year, over the next ten years.

SIA has selected the 777-200 but has the right to substitute other members of the 777 family. Of interest to the airline are the stretched version, the 777-300, with around 350 seats, and the super long-range 777-100X. The 8,500-nautical mile range of the 777-100X will enable Singapore Airlines to fly longer routes non-stop than formerly possible. One example is the Singapore-Los Angeles route.

Singapore Airlines announced last year it wanted to evaluate aircraft and engine offerings, in order to select equipment that would accommodate projected fleet renewal and expansion needs during the second half of the decade. That evaluation resulted in their strong vote of confidence in the 777.

In every respect, the 777 design responds to market needs. The result is an airplane offering cabin spaciousness and flexibility found in no other jetliner and many features to enhance reliability and productivity -- all with lower operating costs. The 777 provides the most payload and range capability and growth potential in the medium-size aircraft category.

The 777 has become the fastest-selling jetliner in its class since Boeing began offering it in October 1990. The 777's design offers features, innovations and approaches to aircraft development that set the standard for delivering value to airlines.

Singapore Airlines becomes the eighth carrier in Asia to commit to the 777, joining All Nippon Airways, Thai Airways International, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Southern, Japan Air System and Korean Air Lines.

"The 777 is rapidly becoming the flagship of the Asian fleet, the fastest growing fleet in the world," said Larry Dickenson, vice president of Asia/Pacific sales.

To date, Boeing has announced commitments for 230 777s.