Company Watch - Boeing.

For more company news, data and analysis, please go to: http://www.airguideonline.com/professional.htm Jun 5, 2006 Air France this month will start deploying 777-300ERs on its routes from Paris Orly to the French Overseas Departments except French Guiana. Seven dash 300ERs in three-class configuration will gradually replace 747s, and by 2007 Fort-de-France, Pointe-a-Pitre and Saint Denis will have a dedicated fleet of 777s equipped with in-seat digital IFE. In the high season, AF operates up to 14 weekly flights between France and the French Caribbean and nine to Reunion. Some 1.4 million passengers travel on this network annually. Jun 2, 2006 Aircraft subsidy spat could affect tanker contract. A dispute over aircraft subsidies could affect a contract for Air Force tankers. Boeing is competing against a team of Northrop Grumman and Airbus parent EADS for the contract. The U.S. and EU are at odds over aircraft subsidies, and the U.S. believes Airbus receives unfair government aid. Jun 2, 2006 Boeing not worried by lack of orders for new 747 passenger jet. The head of the team developing Boeing's larger, more fuel-efficient 747 says he's not worried the company hasn't yet won any orders for the passenger version of the jumbo jet. The plane manufacturer launched its 747-8 last November to put competitive pressure on rival Airbus and its A380 superjumbo. Boeing has won orders for 18 747-8 freighters from two cargo carriers so far. Jeff Peace, vice president and manager of the program, said he expects orders for the so-called Intercontinental passenger plane to come soon. Jun 2, 2006 Boeing began final assembly yesterday on the first 737-900ER, which will undergo a five-month flight test program later this year and eventually be delivered to Indonesia's Lion Air. Jun 1, 2006 Boeing faces stiff competition for tanker contract. Boeing will compete against a team comprised of Northrop Grumman and Airbus for a contract to build air-refueling tankers for the Air Force. Boeing workers on the 767 line are supporting their company's bid. Boeing's tanker would be based on the 767, which is facing declining production. Jun 1, 2006 ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance of Kuwait said it purchased five new 737-800s valued at $250 million that it plans to lease to Turkish Airlines for 12 years. Jun 1, 2006 Bulgaria Air will add four ex-United Airlines 737-300s, bringing its total fleet to 12 737-300/-500 aircraft. May 29, 2006

Cathay Pacific Airways exercised two of its 20 purchase rights for 777-300ERs for delivery in 2008. Late last year, Cathay ordered 16 777-300ERs plus the purchase rights. The first aircraft will be delivered in September 2007. They will be powered by GE90-115Bs. Jun 2, 2006 Oman Air plans to add two more 737-800s, one of which will replace an existing 737-700. The new aircraft will increase the fleet to five 737-800s and two 737-700s. Jun 2, 2006