China Airlines Orders Six Boeing 737-800s

SEATTLE, Dec. 22, 1995 -- China Airlines of the Republic of China today ordered six Boeing 737-800 twinjets, with options for an additional nine 737-800's, the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group confirmed. China Airlines, which is celebrating its 36th anniversary, becomes the launch customer in Asia for the 737-800.

With options, the order would be valued at approximately $750 million. The first delivery of the 737-800s will occur in 1998.

China Airlines 737's will be powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of GE of the U.S. and SNECMA of France.

Commenting on the order announcement, Richard Albrecht, Executive Vice President, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, said: "China Airlines has selected an airplane which builds on the tradition of the 737 family, which is today the world's most successful commercial airliner. The 737-800 is designed to deliver more value to China Airlines by remaining the best at balancing performance and economics."

China Airlines will operate the 737-800's on domestic and regional routes, where the 737-800's larger wing, higher cruise speed, greater range, and improvements in noise, fuel burn and thrust will provide critical advantages in customer service.

The -800 joins the -600, and -700 as the newest members of the 737 family. The 737 family is based on a key philosophy that focuses on delivering more value in terms of reliability, simplicity, and reduced operating and maintenance costs. In addition, the new 737-600, -700, and -800 models will enjoy crew commonality with today's 737s.

The Boeing 737-800 was launched at the Farnborough Air Show on Sept. 5, 1994. The first delivery of this model will be delivered to the German carrier Hapag-Lloyd in early 1998.

To date, Boeing has cumulative orders for more than 3,246 737's, which remains commercial aviation's most ubiquitous airplane.