SpiceJet orders 10 Boeing next gen 737 planes

New Delhi, Apr 29: Low-cost airline SpiceJet has announced placing an order for 10 Boeing next-generation 737-800 planes worth 700 million dollars at list prices.

This follows previous orders in February 2005 and August 2006 for a total of 30 737s.

''The 737's reliability, low operating cost and passenger comfort provide unmatched value for both SpiceJet and its customers,'' said airline's board director Bhulo Kansagra.

''These aircraft are enabling us to add capacity on new and existing routes, and will continue to support SpiceJet's mission of being India's preferred low-cost airline.'' The 10 737s will be fitted with blended winglets which will improve fuel efficiency, increase range, and reduce carbon emissions and takeoff noise.

''The 737 continues to play an integral role in meeting the needs of India's rapidly growing aviation market, and SpiceJet's commitment to the next-generation 737 is a key example of the success of this airplane,'' said Mr Dinesh Keskar, vice-president for sales at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

''The 737-800, with its combination of 189 seat count, range, fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and overall economics, is the most efficient airplane in the market, serving a broad range of business models worldwide.'' SpiceJet uses a single-class seating configuration on its short- and medium-haul flights within India. It began service in May 2005 with three leased Boeing 737-800s, and today operates a fleet of 11 737-800s.

UNI