SEATTLE, Nov. 21, 2001 -- Air Seychelles today took delivery of its first Boeing Next-Generation 737-700. The airline took delivery of a 767-300ER (extended range) airplane earlier this year. With the addition of the new 737, Air Seychelles will operate one of the most modern fleets in the world. The carrier currently has two 767-300ERs in its fleet. The new 737 will enter service in December.
"Adding the 737 allows us to dedicate our 767s for long range missions while the 737 services the regional African, Middle East and Indian Ocean destinations," said David Savy, chief executive officer of Air Seychelles." The range and ETOPS capabilities of the 737-700 have made the expansion of services possible. We are very excited to have this airplane in our fleet."
Building a quieter, more fuel-efficient airplane was a top priority for Boeing engineers designing the Next-Generation 737 family of aircraft (737-600/-700/-800/-900). The new, advanced-technology wing design on the models helps improve fuel efficiency. The airplane's new CFM56-7 engines meet community noise restrictions well below current Stage 3 limits and below expected Stage 4 limits. Emissions also are reduced beyond required standards.
"Delivering the right product to our customers is always exciting for us," said Doug Groseclose, senior vice president - International Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "After a very rigorous competition, Air Seychelles felt the 737-700 is the right airplane for them and we are excited to be a part of their growth and success."
The 737-700 can fly up to 3,260 nautical miles (6,037 kilometers), the farthest of the Next-Generation 737 models. It offers superior reliability and maintainability; the lowest operating costs in its class and features an all-new, spacious 777-style interior. The Next-Generation 737 is the newest design and most technologically advanced family of airplanes in the single-aisle market, with such features as an all-new wing and updated liquid-crystal displays in the flight deck.
With more than 1,800 airplanes ordered by 80 customers worldwide, the Next-Generation 737 is the fastest-selling commercial airplane in history.
Air Seychelles is a national airline that provides scheduled international passenger and cargo services to Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is a group of more than one hundred islands in the Indian Ocean renowned for its pristine beaches and is a major tourist destination.