FARNBOROUGH, England, Sept. 02, 1996 -- Boeing Commercial Airplane Group President Ron Woodard today announced the launch of the Boeing 757- 300, based on an accepted proposal for up to 24 of the big twinjets from the German holiday airline Condor Flugdienst.
Condor has accepted a proposal for 12 of the new twinjets, stretched versions of the popular 757-200, in a deal valued at $875 million. The order is subject to final documentation and approval by the board of directors of Condor and German Lufthansa this fall. The order value could increase should Condor decide to exercise options for 12 additional 757-300s, also announced today. Boeing will begin delivering the 757-300s to Condor in 1999.
The 757-300's seating capacity of 225 to 289 passengers, depending on configuration, represents an increase of approximately 20 percent from the 757- 200. Condor's 757-300s will be configured to carry 252 passengers. The capacity of the lower cargo hold will increase by 40 percent. The additional capacity will be gained by extending the fuselage, making it 23 feet, 4 inches (7.1 meters) longer than that of the 757-200.
"The 757-300 adds an important new member to the 757/767 family -- one that offers operators significantly lower operating costs while retaining the important features and capabilities that have made the 757 such a popular airplane," said Woodard.
"Sized between the standard-body 757-200 and twin-aisle 767-300, the 757-300 will offer very low seat-mile operating costs, delivering exceptional value to operators. We expect it to appeal to a wide range of charter and scheduled operators around the world," he added.
The 757-300 will have about 10 percent lower seat-mile operating costs than the 757-200, which already has the lowest seat mile operating cost in its market segment.
Range capability of the newest 757 will be 4,000 miles (6,436 kilometers). Like the 757-200, it will be able to carry a full load of passengers between any two points within the continental United States or Europe or on routes such as Frankfurt, Germany, to Tenerife, Canary Islands.
As a derivative, the aircraft will have the same flight deck and operating systems and very similar structure as the 757-200. Besides lengthening the fuselage, other changes will include strengthened wings and landing gear, and new tires, wheels and brakes. The 757-300 will maintain a common crew rating with the 757-200 and the Boeing 767.
The 757-300 will offer two engine options: the Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 and the Pratt & Whitney PW2043.
Condor Flugdienst, based in Kelsterbach, Germany, has a fleet that includes 18 Boeing 757-200s, nine Boeing 767-300s and four Boeing 737-300s.