Travel Service orders Two Next-Generation 737-900ERs

Travel Service, one of the largest private airline companies in the Czech Republic, has placed an order for two Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ERs with advanced-technology Blended Winglets. The airline holds purchase rights for an additional two airplanes of the same model.

Prague-based Travel Service will be the fourth European carrier to operate the 737-900ER model, which Boeing launched in 2005 as a higher-capacity, longer-range complement to its single-aisle 737 family of airplanes. The order is valued at $150 million at list prices. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009.

"The Boeing 737-900ER will integrate seamlessly into our highly reliable and economical 737 fleet," said Roman Vik, Chairman of Travel Service. "With its added capacity, the 737-900ER will complement our current operation and help it grow more profitably."

Travel Service operates charter flights to more than 230 airports on four continents, as well as low-cost scheduled service to major European destinations through its Smart Wings brand.

The Boeing 737-900ER is the largest member of the 737 airplane family and can carry more passengers and fly farther than the 737-900. The derivative seats up to 215 passengers and flies up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,925 kilometers), making the range comparable to the 737-800. The airplanes will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which create an additional 3 to 5% in fuel efficiency, and provide a reduction in community noise at takeoff.

As of Aug. 31, 2006, 100 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 Next-Generation 737s; the program has 1,360 unfilled orders with a value of about $91 billion at current list prices.

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