SEATTLE, Feb. 14, 2002 -- The Boeing Company today celebrated a major milestone with the delivery of the 1,000th 757. The airplane, a 757-200, was adorned in the livery of American Airlines.
In the history of commercial aviation, only seven commercial airplane programs have achieved 1,000 or more airplanes. Boeing can claim six of the seven with the 707, 727, 737, 747, 757 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-80.
"We are proud of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into every 757," said Pat Shanahan, 757 program vice president and general manager.
"Designed for fuel efficiency and quiet operation, the 757 continues to perform with exceptional economics, low noise levels and unmatched versatility. Since its introduction, the 757 has been the right airplane for airlines to operate. It's a proven profit maker."
The single-aisle 757 is in a class by itself when it comes to economics and airport performance. The 757 has the lowest operating cost per seat-mile of any single-aisle airplane. The 757 also can operate out of almost any airport in the world including those in high or hot locations, with short-field runways, or with noise restrictions. Additionally, the 757 is environmentally friendly: It burns less fuel than older mid-range airplanes, meets community noise restrictions well below current Stage 3 limits and complies with strict new international emissions standards.
With the delivery today, Boeing and American Airlines enter a sixth decade of partnership. Additionally, the delivery further solidifies American as the operator of the largest 757 fleet in the world. The 1,000th airplane will be the 148th 757 to join American's fleet.
American's new 757-200 will be powered by the Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engine. This engine type has the lowest delay, cancellation, in-flight shutdown and removal rates in its class, a factor that has given many airlines significant advantages through lower operating costs.
With over 1,200 engines in service, the Rolls-Royce RB211-535 family has accumulated more than 28 million flying hours. American Airlines has accrued 20 percent, or 5.7 million of those hours.
The 1,000th delivery of the 757 also symbolizes the continued momentum of the 757 program following strong market success last year. In 2001, the 757, which also is available with Pratt & Whitney engines, was the third best-selling airplane model behind the 737 and 767. The 757-300 model expanded into new markets by premiering in scheduled, dual-class service after years of success in the European inclusive tour operator market.
That momentum continues this year with key deliveries to several North American and European carriers.
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