SEATTLE, March 28, 2002 -- The Boeing Company today delivered to Inter Airlines, a new Turkish charter airline based in Antalya, its first 737-800 airplane. This is the very first airplane for the startup airline. Inter Airlines will operate charter flights between Turkish and European destinations with the 737, the world's fastest selling commercial airplane in history. Inter Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of a second 737-800 later this year.
"We are looking forward to operating the 737-800 because of its superior performance and comfort," said Omer Torosluoglu, chairman of Inter Airlines. "We are building a high-frequency operation that will require the near perfect reliability of the 737."
The carrier will fly the new 737 under an operating lease through GATX Financial Corporation. Eight airlines in Turkey operate 85 classic and Next-Generation 737s, making it the most popular airplane flying Turkish skies. Inter Airlines is the sixth Turkish operator to fly the Next-Generation 737, bringing the number of Next-Generation 737s in Turkey to over 50. New CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI will power the 737-800s.
"We are pleased with the success of the 737 in Turkey," said Doug Groseclose, senior vice president International Sales -- Commercial Airplanes. "The 737's superior performance, economics, exceptional flexibility in size and range offer superior benefits and unmatched capability over competing models."
A new wing design and upgraded engines increase performance while reducing noise and emissions. The 737-800 also shares the enhancements of the other members of the Next-Generation 737 family (737-600/-700/-900), including a new, more spacious interior, and the latest technology in the flight deck.
To date, more than 5,000 737s have been ordered and more than 4,000 have been delivered to more than 200 customers around the world.