Skynet Asia Airways orders first Boeing 737-800 from AWAS

Tags :North Asia, Skynet Asia Airways


Skynet Asia Airways (SNA) of Japan today announced an order for its first Boeing Next-Generation 737-800. The aircraft will be leased from Dublin-based AWAS and go into service with SNA from summer of 2011, as the start of the airline’s fleet renewal program.

SNA President and CEO Masataka Ito and AWAS President and CEO Franklin L Pray announced the order yesterday, during a signing ceremony at the SNA headquarters in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan.

“This is a great day for SNA,” said Mr Ito. “As we roll-over our fleet to the Next-Generation 737, we will be better placed to serve our customers, thanks to its greater reliability and safety features, its superior economic and environmental performance, and its passenger-pleasing interior. Coupled with the opening of the fourth runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport later this year, we are convinced it will help us secure a firm foundation for further growth,” he continued.

SNA currently operates a fleet of nine 737-400s. This will be the airline's first factory delivered aircraft, first Next-Generation 737, and SNA will be the first Japanese operator to commit to the Next-Generation 737 with the737 Boeing Sky Interior. Inspired by the concepts and design improvements of the game-changing Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the interior features soft, sky-blue LED lighting, curving architecture and window reveals that provide passengers with a greater connection to the flying experience. Together with larger overhead bins and greater noise abatement, these features promote an increased sense of comfort and well-being in the travelling customer.

AWAS President and CEO, Franklin L Pray added: “AWAS is proud to add Skynet Asia Airways to our list of valued customers. We are impressed with the business model and management of this growing airline and we look forward to developing a long and successful partnership with them. Our diverse portfolio of inventory aircraft and forward orders will allow us to offer SNA solutions which are specifically tailored to their needs as they continue to grow.”

Beverley Wyse, Boeing’s vice president and general manager - 737 program said, “We are delighted that Skynet Asia has chosen to join the family of 737-800 operators. We are convinced that this aircraft is the perfect solution for their needs: it has lower operating and maintenance costs, greater reliability and efficiency, is quieter and more comfortable, and will contribute to SNA’s overall success going forward.”

The Next-Generation 737 is the newest and most technologically advanced airplane in its class. It flies higher, faster and farther than previous models and competitors. In addition, its flight deck features the latest liquid-crystal flat-panel displays and is designed to accommodate new communications and flight-management capabilities.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 10-Feb-10

 

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