SEATTLE - Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SilkAir today took delivery of the carrier's first Next-Generation 737-800. The delivery also marked the start of the Singapore-based airline's transition to an all-Boeing fleet. Over the coming years, Boeing will deliver a total of 23 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8 aircraft to SilkAir.

Leslie Thng, SilkAir chief executive, said: "The new Boeing 737 aircraft will support our network expansion plans.

"The transition to an all-Boeing fleet will enable us to efficiently serve more destinations, fly longer routes and increase capacity on existing routes."

SilkAir's new 737 will enter service later this month, flying to existing destinations including in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. With the follow-on 737 aircraft deliveries, SilkAir will fly the aircraft to more destinations in Cambodia, Vietnam, India and the Philippines starting in March.

Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added: "Th"As air travel in the Asia Pacific region continues to grow, Boeing is proud to support SilkAir's plans to fly more passengers and serve more cities.

The 737-800s efficiency and reliability makes it an excellent addition to the SilkAir fleet. SilkAir's passengers also will enjoy an enhanced flying experience with the comfort of the 737 Boeing Sky Interior and the airline's award-winning service."

The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the Next-Generation 737 family, the aircraft features the Boeing Sky Interior. SilkAir is a full-service airline and the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. It currently flies more than 350 weekly flights to 45 destinations in 12 countries.