Seattle, Boeing [NYSE: BA] has announced today, Avolon the Dublin-based leasing company took delivery of the direct-order of the first of 12 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft ordered in December 2009. The airplane will be operated by Avolon's airline customer, Japan Airlines. The leasing company has 11 additional Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s remaining on order.

John Higgins Avolon's, president and chief commercial officer said, "We are pleased to take delivery of the first of twelve new Next-Generation 737-800s from Boeing.

"Key to delivering enhanced profitability for our lessees is selecting high-performance aircraft with superior fuel economy.  Having a forward delivery stream of new aircraft, coupled with our industry leading sale and leaseback and other aircraft financing capabilities, provides our customers with a fully-rounded service offering."

The Boeing 737-800, a singe-aisle jetliner, has a seating configuration of 162 passengers in dual class and up to 189 passengers, can fly 285 nautical miles (530 kilometers) farther and consume seven percent less fuel while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.

Bill Collins, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice president of leasing sales added, "We have been looking forward to delivering this airplane to Avolon, a lessor led by a team of highly experienced industry professionals. 

"With this Next-Generation 737 and those on order, Avolon has a strong foundation for successful growth."