Copa Airlines to operate the Next-Generation 737-800

SEATTLE, Nov. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing’s (NYSE: BA) popular passenger-inspired 737 Boeing Sky Interior today marked its 500th delivery and its second anniversary in service.

The Next-Generation 737-800 was delivered to Newport Beach, Calif.-based leasing company Aviation Capital Group (ACG). Panama-based Copa Airlines will lease and operate the new airplane.

“Our customers and their passengers tell us the 737 Boeing Sky Interior has a ‘wow’ factor that no other single-aisle jetliner can match,” said Beverly Wyse, 737 vice president and general manager. “It adds even more value to an airplane that is already delivering the best economics, reliability and fuel efficiency in its market segment.”

Since the Boeing Sky Interior’s first delivery in October 2010, 65 airlines and leasing companies have ordered the new interior.

“Being part of this significant milestone for the 737 Boeing Sky Interior is a fantastic opportunity,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. “With its continuous innovations, the Next-Generation 737-800 not only benefits Copa with its unmatched operating costs, but the Boeing Sky Interior also provides a welcoming and unique flying experience. Copa is proud to continue to offer this state-of-the-art technology and first rate passenger experience to our valued customers.”

Copa Airlines operates a fleet of 83 airplanes. The airline has chosen the Boeing Sky Interior on all of their delivered airplanes since they were the first airline in Latin America to take delivery of the new interior in March 2011.

“We are delighted to have the 737 Boeing Sky Interior in our portfolio,” said R. Stephen Hannahs, Group Managing Director and CEO of ACG. “Providing our airline customers with innovative products, like the 737 Boeing Sky Interior, is an integral part of ACG’s corporate strategy.”

Two operators with Boeing Sky Interiors recently conducted passenger surveys that reinforced a substantial, noticeable preference for the new interior. Norwegian Air Shuttle found that more than 60 percent of respondents rate the Boeing Sky Interior more comfortable than the standard interior. The same percentage of passengers ‘felt happier’. Transavia, a Netherlands-based airline, also recently revealed its findings.

“In our passenger surveys we have measured a significant improvement in the overall cabin experience by the new Boeing Sky Interior,” said Bram Graber, managing director of transavia.com. “Also, our crew appreciates their new working environment. The BSI is smartly designed and we are very satisfied with the introduction in our fleet.”

The 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

More than 90 percent of Boeing’s backlog of more than 2,800 Next-Generation 737s will be delivered with the Boeing Sky Interior. The Boeing Sky Interior will be standard on the 737 MAX.

Source and photo: Boeing