Qantas to buy four new Boeing 737-800s; takes options on four more

Qantas to buy four new Boeing 737-800s; takes options on four more:

Qantas Airways Ltd said it will purchase four new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and take options on an additional four.

The company also said it will be leasing three more Boeing 737-300 aircraft to boost capacity in the New Zealand domestic market.

In a statement, chief executive Geoff Dixon said the company will take delivery of the first four planes in early 2003, with the potential to add four more by early 2004.

Dixon said the new order was part of an agreement between Qantas and Boeing announced late last year that included options for 60 aircraft.

“The four additional new aircraft will take our 737-800 fleet to 19 and ensure Qantas has the capacity to meet expected growth in the Australian domestic market,” he said.

While the planes will be initially be fitted out for two classes, Qantas said it also has the option of configuring them as all Economy Class with 180 seats.
****
Link: http://www.ananova.com/business/story/sm_633804.html?menu=