Seattle – Boeing and Japan Transocean Air (JTA) have issued a statement announcing the airline's selection of 12 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes. The selection, valued at $1.1 billion at list prices, will mark the start of the airline's fleet renewal program with the new airplanes scheduled to enter into service from 2016. As part of the agreement, JTA will have the flexibility to switch to the 737 MAX family of airplanes.
"JTA has been the wings of Okinawa for almost 50 years," said Manabu Sato, president of Japan Transocean Air and executive officer at Japan Airlines. "The Next-Generation 737-800, with its greater reliability, superior economic and environmental performance, and passenger-pleasing Boeing Sky Interior will allow us to continue to provide the highest levels of service, comfort, and convenience to the people of Okinawa."
A member of the Japan Airlines Group, JTA is based in Naha, Okinawa, Japan's southernmost island chain. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 737-400 airplanes on domestic routes linking Okinawa with major Japanese cities as well as other islands within Okinawa.
"We are honored that JTA has chosen to maintain an all-Boeing fleet of Next-Generation 737s," said John Wojick, senior vice president, Global Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
JTA's new 737-800s will be powered by CFM56-7 engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and SNECMA. The airplanes will be fitted with Boeing's latest performance improvement package (PIP), delivering an additional 2% improvement in fuel efficiency. The airplanes will also feature the passenger-inspired Boeing Sky Interior, with modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting, and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.
The 737-800 is capable of carrying up to 165 passengers in a two-class configuration and has contributed to more than 6,700 Next-Generation 737 family orders.
Source: Boeing