By Ross Snel

TheStreet.com Staff Reporter

6/15/2005 5:14 PM EDT

Boeing (BA:NYSE - news - research) notched firm orders Wednesday worth about $3.5 billion for more than 50 of its 737-800 passenger jets.

Alaska Air (ALK:NYSE - news - research) said it placed 35 firm orders for the single-aisle Boeing model, including three the airline already planned to acquire next year.

Alaska said it also has options on 15 additional 737-800s and purchase rights for 50 more.

At list prices, Alaska`s firm orders are worth about $2.3 billion, although airplane manufacturers typically give customers discounts. The Seattle-based airline will take delivery of the planes over the next six years.

Separately, Boeing confirmed it received 18 firm orders worth about $1.18 billion for the same model from Air Europa, based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The airline also has options to acquire a dozen more 737-800s.

Boeing and archrival Airbus have unveiled a flurry of deals at this week`s Paris Air Show. Boeing shares rose $1.48, or 2.4%, to $64.41 Wednesday.

http://www.thestreet.com/markets/rosssnel/10228247.html