Maersk Air Plans All Boeing Fleet With 737 Order

SEATTLE, May 16, 1995 -- Maersk Air of Denmark has ordered six Boeing 737-500 twinjets, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group has confirmed. The order's approximate value is $186 million.

In making the announcement during a briefing in Billund, Denmark, Maersk President Bjarne Hansen also said that options on seven additional 737-500s have been secured.

Deliveries of Maersk's six 737-500s will begin in early 1996 and continue through the year. The 737-500s will gradually replace Fokker F-50 turboprop aircraft on Maersk's domestic and international routes, eventually establishing Maersk as an all Boeing operator.

"The fact that we're replacing our 50-seat turboprop fleet with a larger jet might surprise some," commented Hansen. "But our strong growth, combined with the commonality benefits to be realized with the rest of our 737 fleet drove us toward this decision. And we think our passengers will appreciate the increased comfort and speed the 737 offers," he added.

The 737-500s, powered by CFM56-3-C1 engines, will seat 104 passengers in a two-class configuration. The business class section will feature spacious five-abreast seating, instead of the typical six-abreast, a first for 737s in Scandinavia.

Tom Basacchi, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group sales vice president for Europe, said the 737 family continues as the world's best-selling commercial jets because they deliver value to airlines. "Our strategy on this program has been straightforward all along -- to build a family of airplanes that meets a wide range of airline needs in an efficient, cost-effective way," he said.

Maersk Air has played an important role in the 737 program since placing its first order almost 20 years ago. The Copenhagen-based carrier was a launch customer for both the 737-300 and -500 models, and last year was the first airline in Europe to order the 737-700, a derivative of the -300. Since 1976, Maersk has taken delivery of 40 737s, and holds orders and options on an additional 27.

Today's announcement brings Boeing announced orders to 93 airplanes for 1995. Total 737 orders now stand at 3,136 airplanes, of which more than 2,700 have been delivered.