On April 26, the Boeing Company and New Delhi-based SpiceJet announced that the airline has ordered 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, valued at more than US$700 million at list prices, follows previous orders in February 2005 and August 2006 for a total of 30 737s.

"The 737's reliability, low operating cost and passenger comfort provide unmatched value for both SpiceJet and its customers," said SpiceJet board director Bhulo Kansagra. "These aircraft are enabling us to add capacity on new and existing routes, and will continue to support SpiceJet's mission of being India's preferred low-cost airline."

The 10 737s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which will improve fuel efficiency, increase range, and reduce CO2 emissions and takeoff noise.

"The 737 continues to play an integral role in meeting the needs of India's rapidly growing aviation market, and SpiceJet's commitment to the Next-Generation 737 is a key example of the success of this airplane," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737-800, with its combination of 189 seat count, range, fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and overall economics, is the most efficient airplane in the market, serving a broad range of business models worldwide."

SpiceJet, one of India's newest start-up private carriers, uses a single-class seating configuration on its short- and medium-haul flights within India. SpiceJet began service in May 2005 with three leased Boeing 737-800s, and today operates a fleet of 11 737-800s.

The digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. With a bigger wing and more powerful engines, the 737 can fly higher, faster and farther than its competitor. The 737-800, which can seat from 162 to 189 passengers, is 1,500 pounds lighter, can fly 260 nautical miles farther and 1,100 feet higher while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.

As of March 31, 2007, the Next-Generation 737 has logged 104 customers who have placed orders for more than 3,700 Next-Generation 737s, and has more than 1,500 unfilled orders with a value of more than US$100 billion at current list prices.