2009-11-17 11:38:01
WAM Dubai, Nov 17th 2009 (WAM) -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Alg rie announced an order for seven Next-Generation 737-800s today at Dubai Airshow 2009.

The airplanes will grow the Air Alg rie 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 Alg rie CEO Abdelwahid Bouabdallah.

Air Alg rie is based in Algeria's capital, Algiers.

"Our purchase of Boeing 737-800s is a natural progression for Air Alg rie," 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 Alg rie ordered its new 737s with Blended Winglets, which further reduce fuel burn by approximately four percent.

A Boeing customer for nearly 40 years, Air Alg rie operates a Boeing fleet that includes 10 737-800s, five 737-600s and three 767-300s.

"Air Alg rie'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.

Meanwhile Tassili Airlines of Algeria has placed its first order for Boeing (NYSE:BA) airplanes with a signed deal for four Next-Generation 737-800s, announced today at Dubai Airshow 2009.

Tassili Airlines, a 100-percent-owned subsidiary of government-owned Sonatrach Petroleum Corporation, will use the 737-800s to transport employees and cargo between large Algerian cities and Sonatrach work sites.

Tassili plans to put its 737s into commercial passenger service on domestic and regional routes in the near future.

WAM/AMIR