Boeing delivers First Air-India Express Next-Generation 737-800

Air-India Express today celebrated delivery of the airline's first Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial jetliner. 

Air-India Express (AIE), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India's flag carrier Air-India, is leasing the airplane from Boullioun Aviation Services Inc. Air-India Express, a low-cost operator will initially fly from the southern Indian State of Kerala and the cities of Mumbai and Delhi to destinations in the Gulf from April 2005 and gradually expand services as more airplanes are inducted in the Air-India Express fleet. 

"This is the first of three Boeing 737-800s being taken on lease by Air-India Charters Ltd. (AICL) for Air-India Express," said Jitender Bhargava, director of Public Relations, Air-India. "These 737-800s will provide excellent reliability and efficiency, which will enable a profitable operation as quickly as possible." 

"We are thrilled to partner with Air-India Express in the introduction of a new era of airline service to India," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president -- Sales and president -- Boeing Aircraft Trading, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737-800's economic advantages are the result of its ability to generate more revenue by carrying up to 12 more passengers and approximately one-half tonne more cargo than the A320. The Next-Generation 737 is the right choice for Air-India Express."

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