SEATTLE, Oct. 27, 2005 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] yesterday delivered the first of two specially- painted 737-700s with the official 2008 Beijing Olympics logo and theme -- "One World, One Dream" -- to Air China.
Beijing-based Air China is the official host airline partner of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"The specially-painted livery on the Boeing 737-700 is the perfect airplane to promote and welcome the world to China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and to fulfill the slogan of One World, One Dream," said Ma Xulun, president of Air China . "This new aircraft will help our airline bring the world's people together to share the dream that the Olympics inspire in everyone."
Air China currently operates a fleet of 75 Classic and Next-Generation Boeing 737-300/-600/-700/-800 airplanes. In 2004, 24.5 million passengers traveled on 396 Air China routes spanning a network of 65 domestic and 35 international destinations. The new airplane will be operating on domestic and regional routes.
"It is a great honor and privilege that this 737-700 will be a part of the Beijing Olympics' vision of One World, One Dream," said Rob Laird, vice president - China Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Air China will be bringing people from around the world to the Beijing Games in the most technologically advanced single-aisle jetliner in the world, and we are very gratified by this opportunity to help our customers achieve this wonderful vision of the Olympic ideal."
China 's domestic air travel growth rate is the world's highest. Most of the country's demand for new airplanes will be for single-aisle models such as the Boeing Next-Generation 737.
The Next-Generation 737 provides the best value in its class, with proven profit-making capability, achieved through superior operating economics and passenger appeal. The jet has operating costs that are four to 10 percent lower than competing models. The Next-Generation 737 is the fastest selling airplane of all time. Overall, the 737 is the world's best-selling commercial jet airplane. The entire 737 family has won orders for nearly 6,000 airplanes, which is more airplanes than Boeing's biggest commercial airplane competitor has won for its entire product line since it began business.
The Next-Generation 737s fly higher, faster, farther, and more quietly than comparable airplanes, while offering greater fuel efficiency. To date, 89 airlines have placed orders for more than 2,800 Next-Generation 737s.