Air Europa Chooses Next-generation Boeing 737-800s

SEATTLE, July 11, 1996 -- Boeing Commercial Airplane Group today confirmed an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800 twinjets from Spanish inclusive tour operator Air Europa.

The 10 airplanes are valued at approximately $510 million. Air Europa has reserved options on two more 737-800s.

First 737-800 deliveries to Palma-based Air Europa are scheduled for 1998, with remaining deliveries continuing through 1999.

The 737-800 is a new, stretched version of the current 737-400. It incorporates all the enhancements that will be found in the other members of the Next-Generation 737 family (the 737-600 and 737-700), including a redesigned passenger cabin, a flight deck featuring the most versatile display system offered on any commercial jetliner and improvements in operating performance.

The family of airplanes has proven popular in the competitive European inclusive tour market where their unmatched reliability and low operating costs have made them very popular with airlines, particularly current 737 operators.

"These new Boeing airplanes will provide us a strong foundation as we continue our growth by delivering an exceptional level of value to vacation travelers," said Juan Jose Hidalgo, Air Europa chairman and chief executive officer.

Founded in 1991, Air Europa has become one of Spain's largest private airlines, flying more than five million passengers on domestic and international routes in 1995. The airline, which along with Spanish tour operators Travelplan and Emitur, and travel agency Halcón Viajes form Air Europa Group, flies a large Boeing fleet, including one 767, seven 757s, 10 737-300s and five 737-400s.

Boeing has announced orders for 312 737-600/-700/-800s from 14 customers since launch of the Next-Generation family in early 1994.