Boeing to lease jets to Mexican airline

Boeing's finance arm said Monday it will lease 25 717-200 aircraft to Mexican airline Grupo Mexicana de Aviacion. The passenger jets will be used by Grupo Mexicana's low-cost subsidiary, Click Mexicana, under a multiyear arrangement. Financial terms were not disclosed. Chicago-based Boeing, which also makes freight and military jets, faces weaker demand as airlines report lower air traffic amid the economic downturn. The deteriorating world economy has also hurt airlines' ability to secure financing for aircraft. The airline will start receiving the planes in March, becoming the first North American 717 operator outside the U.S. Boeing said it will also provide training for flight and cabin crews & maintenance staff, as well as spare parts. The 717s will be configured to carry 104 passengers & will replace Fokker F-100s currently operated by the airline. Tim Myers, Boeing Capital Corp. VP for structured financing, said in a statement the 717 offers greater fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, a modern flight deck & a spacious interior. Boeing shares rose 90