WICHITA, Kan.---Raytheon Aircraft and Air New Zealand have signed a definitive contract for the purchase of 16 new Beech 1900D Airliners for the carrier's 100-percent owned regional carrier, Eagle Airways.
Previously, the two companies entered into a letter of intent for the aircraft. The recent contract formalizes the order. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-year 2001 and continue at a rate of one per month. The aircraft will operate throughout New Zealand.
"Eagle Airways will now offer Air New Zealand passengers a new standard of comfort on our 19-seat regional services," said Air New Zealand President and CEO Gary Toomey. Star Alliance partners of Air New Zealand served by the 1900D are United Airlines and Air Canada. Star Alliance is a code-sharing network of international airlines.
Raytheon Aircraft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Hansel Tookes said the order is a vote of confidence for the 19-seat regional market. "This major international air carrier understands the value the Beech 1900D can create in the regional market," he said. "We are delighted to accept this significant fleet transaction from this new customer."
Raytheon Aircraft, based in Wichita, designs, manufactures, markets and supports jet, turboprop and piston-powered aircraft for the world's commercial, military, and regional airline markets. It had revenues of $3.2 billion in 2000.
With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company is a global technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics, and business and special mission aircraft.
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Air New Zealand Formalizes Fleet Purchase of 16 Beech 1900D Airliners
