Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Air Algerie announced an order for seven Next-Generation 737-800s today at Dubai Airshow 2009. The airplanes will grow the Air Algerie Next-Generation 737 fleet to 22 airplanes.

The new airplanes will help the airline leverage the efficiencies of a standard single-aisle fleet that delivers high fuel efficiency and related environmental improvements, said Air Algerie CEO Abdelwahid Bouabdallah. Air Algerie is based in Algeria's capital, Algiers.

"Our purchase of Boeing 737-800s is a natural progression for Air Algerie," said
Bouabdallah. "One advantage is that our pilots and engineers are expertly trained and experienced with the airplane. The 737-800 adds great value to our fleet because it is very high-tech and reliable. Reduced operating and maintenance costs mean our airplanes spend less time on the ground and more time in the air making money."

Air Algerie ordered its new 737s with Blended Winglets, which further reduce fuel burn by approximately four percent.

A Boeing customer for nearly 40 years, Air Algerie operates a Boeing fleet that
includes 10 737-800s, five 737-600s and three 767-300s. "Air Algerie's order reflects our company's solid business partnership of nearly 40 years with the airline and the proven fuel efficiency and reliability of the Next-Generation 737," said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Central and South Asia.

Nearly 120 customers around the world have ordered more than 5,000 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,100 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $158 billion at current list prices.

Earlier this year, Boeing announced performance enhancements to the Next-Generation 737 that will reduce fuel consumption by 2 percent by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements.

© 2009 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)