DHL TO LEASE 44 B757s FROM BOEING UNIT

   DHL International, the Brussels-based non-U.S. operating arm of express carrier DHL Worldwide Express, has signed an agreement to lease up to 44 B757 freighters from Boeing’s new Airplane Services business unit.
   The deal, valued at more than $1 billion, is the largest aircraft
acquisition in DHL’s 30-year history. The B757s will replace DHL’s B727 freighter fleet in Europe and Africa and be operated by DHL International’s airline operating unit European Air Transport. Deliveries are scheduled to start early in 2001.
   B757s offer more freight capacity than B727s and meet the strictest
international noise standards. DHL also said the planes will offer a
13-percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
   Boeing Airplane Services, launched in March this year, will purchase the B757s from British Airways and convert the planes into freighters. Boeing will also provide maintenance and spare parts support for the planes.
   Boeing said DHL is the launch customer for its new B757 lease-conversion program. The airplane maker has said that it expects to offer freighter conversions for most of its airplane models, including the B767, B737, B747-400, MD-80 and MD-90.
   DHL said the new freighters will help the company meet an expected
12-percent to 14-percent increase in air freight volume in Europe and
Africa.