CIT, Boeing in lease deal for 38 Next-Generation 737 aircraft

CIT Aerospace has placed an order for 38 Next-Generation 737 airplanes, with purchase rights for seven additional 737s, CIT Group Inc and Boeing announced today.

The order that includes 15 of Boeing's 737-900ERs (extended range) and 23 737-800s are to be executed over a period extending till 2017.

"As a leading aircraft lessor it is important that we continue to maintain a portfolio of operationally dependable and fuel-efficient aircraft for our customers," CIT Aerospace said.

CIT claims this to be the largest order placed by a leasing company for the 737-900ER, the largest and newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. This is also the largest order placed by CIT for Boeing airplanes, it said.

"This order of Next-Generation Boeing aircraft reflects our efforts to maintain one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in the industry," said C Jeffrey Knittel, president of transportation finance at CIT. "As a leading aircraft lessor it is important that we continue to maintain a portfolio of operationally dependable and fuel-efficient aircraft for our customers," he added.

"CIT's choice of the Next Generation 737 shows its confidence in the product family and especially in its newest member, the 737-900ER, which features incredible economics and operational capability," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of sales and marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.