MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Aerolineas Argentinas announces deal for 20 Next-Generation 737-800 Boeings

Gallard and Recalde during the announcement of the operation

Argentina's flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas amd Boeing have completed an agreement for 20 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes, an operation valued at 1.8 billion dollars (list price) which is seen as an effort by the Argentine government to modernize its fleet and increase passenger satisfaction.

The agreement was formalized in Buenos Aires on Monday by Mariano Recalde, president of Aerolineas Argentinas and Austral Lineas Aereas, and Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The agreement should help the Argentine carrier build on a fleet of 26 Next-Generation 737s which it currently operates. The aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2018.

The announcement also comes a few days before next Sunday's ballot in Argentina's mid-term election when half the Lower House 257 seats and a third of the Senate will be renewed. President Cristina Fernandez needs a good showing to continue having control of the Legislative.

“This is a landmark order for our company, both in the number of aircraft and in what they signify for our fleet,” said Recalde. “This agreement is a key part of a greater plan to renew our fleet and prepare our operations to accommodate growing demand. The Boeing Next-Generation 737-800, which has more seats than our current single-aisle fleet, will give us more flexibility to operate both domestic and regional routes.”

Gallard noted that the agreement extends a long legacy of partnership between Boeing and Aerolineas Argentinas. “Our partnership with Aerolineas extends back to the days of the Douglas DC-3,” he said. “We have worked side by side with Aerolineas to help provide world-class aviation to the people of Argentina.”

”Aviation is a key element in economic growth and development, and the success of Aerolineas Argentinas' transformation strategy, helped by the addition of the most efficient single-aisle airplanes flying, will help drive Argentina further ahead in the 21(st) century,” Gallard said.

The Argentine government's investment in the Next-Generation 737 helps build the foundation for industrial development in Argentina, providing capacity to fuel its economic objectives. At the heart of Argentina's domestic and intra-South American network, the 737 fleet will unlock demand for air transport there and shape its infrastructure modernization.

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the best-selling versions of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, considered the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market.