SEATTLE, Dec. 13, 2001 -- This week, Oman Air introduces the first Boeing Next-Generation 737 to the Persian Gulf region with the delivery of a 737-800. This is the first of five new 737s that will replace Oman Air's current fleet of Airbus A310s and older Boeing airplanes
The 737-800 is leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) and is part of an order announced earlier this year that also includes four 737-700s.
"The selection of the 737 was a strategic decision," said Abdul Rahman Al Busaidy, Oman Air general manager. "The new 737 will enable us to offer our passengers the most in comfort and reliability, and it will help us achieve our targets for operational efficiency."
The Muscat-based regional carrier forecasts fuel consumption savings of 50 percent over its current fleet of A310s as well as a significant reduction in maintenance costs.
"Oman Air and Boeing have a great partnership, and the proven performance of the new 737 has allowed us to expand that relationship," said Doug Groseclose, senior vice president of International Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The high-tech 737 will enable Oman Air to set the regional standard for passenger comfort and operational efficiency in the single-aisle market."
Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman is a flight partner with Gulf Air and SwissAir. It operates to international and domestic destinations including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Chennai, Colombo, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Khasab, Kuwait, Kochi, Mumbai, Salalah and Trivandrum.
With nearly 1,000 Next-Generation 737s in service, the new 737 family has become the best-selling commercial jet in commercial aviation history. The new 737s fly higher, farther, faster and more efficiently than any other airplane in its class. With extremely high reliability, easy maintenance and operation, 737s are designed to fit easily into regional airline operations.
ILFC, based in Los Angeles, has the world's largest portfolio of aircraft in terms of asset value. A Boeing customer since 1977 when it ordered a single 737-200, ILFC has since ordered approximately 650 new Boeing jetliners, more than any other customer.
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