The Boeing Company's (BA) direct delivery of its 200th jetliner, a 777-300 ER, to Paris based Air France reflects a strong bond between these two major companies. Boeing will deliver Air France one 777 Freighter in 2011 and 11 777-300ERs through 2015.
Air France has been loyal to Boeing's 777 series model. Air France first ordered 777-200ERs in 1996 and was the first customer for the 777-300ER in 2000 and for the 777 Freighter in 2005. Air France will be operating 61 777 passenger airplanes and two 777 freighter during the 2011 summer.
Boeing's association with Air France dates back to 1959, when the company delivered a 707 jetliner. Besides the 777 series, the company has been operating different models from Boeing in its fleet such as 727s, 737s,767s, and 747s.
The 777-300 ER airplane, 19% lighter than its closest peers, is in demand as it consumes substantially lower fuel. This airplane is also environmentally friendly emitting 22% less carbon dioxide per seat, and is operationally cheaper by 20% than peers.
As of December 7, 2010, net orders received by Boeing for 777 stand at 49 airplanes. The biggest order came from Emirates Airlines for 30 airplanes. The delivery of 777 through the first eleven months of the year touched 66 airplanes, making it the company’s second highest selling model.
Overall, Boeing has been receiving new orders for commercial airplanes. Recently the company received an order for 22 airplanes for its Next Generation 737-800 airplanes. As of December 7, 2010, net orders received by Boeing for its 737 model stands at 441 airplanes.
Going by recent trends, the prospect for the commercial airplanes segment of Boeing is looking brighter, as the company ended the third quarter of 2010 with 3401 airplanes at an estimated value of $255 billion. However, the constant delay in first delivery of 787 airplanes remains a cause of concern. As of December 7, 2010, net orders for the 787 are negative.
Headquartered in Tremblay-en-France, France, Air France is one of the world's largest airlines, serving 32 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 150 destinations in 90 countries.
The Boeing Company currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating).
Based in Chicago, The Boeing Company designs and produces commercial airplanes, defense systems and civil and defense space systems. Boeing competes with the likes of Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC).
