Boeing Confirms Turkish Airlines Order for Eight Next-Generation 737s ($542 Million)

Boeing ^ | August 9, 2005

[Righty_McRight]

SEATTLE , Aug. 9, 2005 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed that Turkish Airlines has exercised options for eight Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. The airplanes are scheduled for delivery in 2008 and are worth an estimated $542 million at list prices. The options were part of an order placed by Turkish Airlines in 2004 for 15 Boeing 737s.

"We recognize the tremendous economic advantages of the Next-Generation 737s, having operated them since 1998. Moving forward on our growth strategy, we are looking to open new markets in Europe and Central Asia . The Next-Generation 737s' operational flexibility will play an integral part of that strategy," said Dr. Temel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Airlines operates a mix of 43 Boeing Classics and Next-Generation 737s. The Boeing Next-Generation 737 has booked 2,719 orders since its launch and the program has a healthy backlog of 984 orders.

"The Turkish economy is expected to grow at a faster rate than elsewhere in Europe over the next several years. Turkish Airlines is equipping its fleet with the right product to successfully manage the booming demand from both leisure and business travelers," said Aldo Basile, Sales director for Turkey , Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Boeing Next-Generation 737 has proven its value to Turkish Airlines and will continue to do so in the future."

The Next-Generation 737 family is the popular choice of airlines worldwide for its proven capabilities and reliability. Operating at an altitude 2000 feet higher than the competition, the airplane cruises high above congested airspace. The unmatched performance of Boeing's Next-Generation 737 provides airlines with better routing options while giving passengers the best in cabin comfort with the award-winning 777-style interior.

###

Contacts: Samantha Solomon (Brussels), + 32 473 372 747 Sandy Angers (Seattle), + 1 425 965 9380

[Righty_McRight]

SEATTLE, Aug. 9, 2005 -- Turkish Airlines (THY) will add an additional eight Boeing Next-Generation 737s to its fleet as part of its order placed in 2004 for 15 airplanes of the same type. Deliveries of these additional eight airplanes start from 2008. In this image, a 737-800 is show in Turkish Airline livery equipped with winglets. The Istanbul-based airline currently operates a mix of 43 Boeing Classics and Next-Generation 737s.

[My2Cents]

The same "next generation" 737s that Southwest is currently flying?

[bayourod]

The last time I flew on a Turkish airline it caught on fire out over the Mediterranean. The Muslims all prostrated themselves on the floor in prayer which probably saved some of them from asphyxiation but also prevented the stewards from serving cocktails to those of us more interested in getting real drunk real fast. The crew couldn't lower the oxygen mask with the cabin on fire.

Other than that, it was a good flight and I would recommend the airline to anyone seeking adventure.

[Parmenio]

I flew Turkish Air one-way from Istanbul to Heathrow in the 80's - the first and only time I have flown on an L-1011. My flight was uneventful - it was so empty alot of people had a row to themselves. My flight could have used some excitement.

[Turk2]

They're way better now. Much better than British Airways for instance. You get real food served by real women as apposed to the horrible garbage served by the old hags BA seems to like employing these days.

[Paulus]

Well, Hoorah Boeing!!! I am so thrilled they did not go with "AirBust".