Indonesian budget carrier "Lion Air" will buy 60 aircraft from Boeing Co. in a deal worth $3.9 billion, a spokesman for the Indonesian company said on Thursday. Hasyim Arsal Alhabsi said the deal would comprise Boeing's 737-800 and 737-900 series. He said an agreement with Boeing would be signed in Washington during a visit to the United States by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. First deliveries would occur in early 2006, Alhabsi said. "We want to use (the new planes) for new routes as well as replacing what we lease right now. We want to go to the region, Australia, India, China and Hong Kong," Alhabsi said. Lion's current fleet comprised 38 aircraft, Alhabsi said, adding that around half of those were leased. Following the deal, Lion Air might launch an initial public offering of its shares either next year or in 2007, he added.
