Boeing (NYSE: BA) and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc., have finalized a firm order for 33 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, with a list-price value of more than $2.6 billion, is part of the company’s initiative to modernize its fleet and increase the balance in its airplane portfolio.

“This 737 order will provide ILFC’s airline customers with advanced, highly competitive airplanes that deliver the best reliability, superior operating economics and increased passenger comfort,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “These airplanes deliver the continuous improvements we are making to the Next-Generation 737. ”

Today’s operators fly 737s that are 5 percent more fuel efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered in 1998 and additional improvements are on the way. Boeing’s performance improvement package, now in certification, will boost fuel efficiency a further two percent through aerodynamic and engine changes. The performance improvements to the airframe and engine are expected to be in service between mid-2011 and early 2012.

Additionally, Boeing will deliver ILFC’s new Next-Generation 737-800s with the all-new 737 Boeing Sky Interior. The new interior introduces cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entryway. Passengers will enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The new interior also features modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers’ eyes to the view outside the window, as well as larger stowage bins allowing passengers the ability to store their luggage closer to their seats.

Source: Boeing press release