GECAS's 400th Boeing airplane takes off on a test flight from Boeing Field in Seattle.

Boeing reached a major milestone with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) yesterday by delivering the leasing company's 400th airplane, a Next-Generation 737-800. GECAS leasing customer Xiamen Airlines will operate the milestone airplane.

"We are proud to take delivery of our 400th Boeing airplane," said Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of GECAS. "Boeing is a key business partner providing us with advanced, efficient and reliable airplanes that our airline customers need to be successful in today's competitive and environmentally sensitive marketplace."

To date, GECAS has ordered 485 airplanes from Boeing. GECAS placed their first order with Boeing on Aug. 30, 1995 for two 767-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. Since that first order, their fleet has grown to include several models of the 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 families.

"The milestone delivery is a tribute to the GECAS business model and the strength of the Boeing family of airplanes," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "GECAS has an outstanding track record of placing Boeing airplanes with airline customers around the world. The Boeing family of airplanes offers a strong combination of economics and reliability that will continue to provide GECAS's customers a competitive advantage. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership for years to come."