Aircraft leasing company Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has placed a $1.6 billion order for 20 new Boeing aircraft, the Seattle-based manufacturer has confirmed.
In a statement, Boeing confirmed ACG has placed an order for 15 next-generation 737s and five 787 Dreamliners.
"We are delighted to add the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to our portfolio. This aircraft represents a significant step forward for mid-size widebody aircraft," said R. Stephen Hannahs, group managing director and chief executive officer of ACG.
"Of course, the next-generation 737 continues to be an outstanding performer for airlines and is an excellent leasing asset."
ACG's current fleet has 138 Boeing aircraft, including next-generation 737s, 737 classics, 757s and 767s.
ACG now has a backlog of 52 Boeing plans on order. In December, it announced it had acquired delivery slots for 15 next-generation 737s from Delta Airlines.
Boeing claims its next-generation 737 family is "the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market".
As of March 31st, some 104 customers have placed orders for 3,734 of the planes.
Unfilled orders for the model exceed 1,500 airplanes, worth over $100 billion at current list prices, Boeing said.
The company says its wide-bodied 787 Dreamliner will use 20 per cent less fuel than aircraft of comparable size and provide airlines with up to 45 per cent more cargo revenue capacity. The interior will have higher humidity, wider seats and aisles and larger windows than other aircraft.
Since its launch in April 2004, 44 customers have confirmed 544 orders for the 787, which is due to enter service in May 2008.