Boeing Confirms $4 Billion Order From Malaysia Airlines

SEATTLE, Jan. 8, 1996 -- Malaysia Airlines, the flagship carrier for Malaysia, today announced an order for 25 Boeing wide-body jetliners. The order is valued at approximately U.S. $4 billion, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed.

The order consists of a purchase of 15 Boeing 777-200s and -300s and 10 long-range 747-400s. The airline also took options on an additional three 747-400s and two 777s. Deliveries begin in 1997 and continue through 2001. The airline has chosen Rolls-Royce engines to power its 777s and Pratt & Whitney engines to power its 747s.

Ron Woodard, president of Boeing Commercial Airplane Group said, "We are extremely proud that after several months of intense evaluation, Malaysia Airlines has selected the Boeing 777 and 747 to meet their globalization plans and increasing capacity needs."

"Malaysia Airline's decision again confirms that the Boeing 777 is an excellent airplane for operations into and out of the Asia-Pacific region. The superiority of the 777 in terms of range, speed, interior flexibility and passenger comfort is valued by airline customers," added Woodard.

Woodard said that in every respect, the 777 design responds to market needs. The result is an airplane offering cabin spaciousness, great flexibility, plus other unique features which enhance reliability and productivity -- all with lower operating costs. The new wide-body twinjet provides the most payload and range capability, and growth potential in the medium-size aircraft category.

Woodard added, "The 777 has become the fastest-selling jetliner in its class since Boeing began offering it in October 1990 and has achieved a market share of over 80 percent during this period. The 777's design offers features, innovations and approaches to aircraft development that set the standard for delivering value to airlines."

He said the 747-400 has demonstrated its suitability to Asia-Pacific markets. One of the reasons for the airplane's popularity has been convenient, non-stop service to distant destinations.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates 65 Boeing jetliners, including 15 wide-body 747s and 50 twin-engined 737s, one of the largest 737 fleets outside the United States. Malaysia Airlines has been a Boeing customer for over 27 years and during that time has received 79 Boeing jetliners.

Today's order is the first in 1996 for the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Boeing, the world's largest producer of commercial airplanes, finished 1995 with 346 new orders with an announced value of US$31.235 billion.