Ups Converts Options On Boeing Order

United Parcel Service has converted options for five 757 freighter jets into firm orders valued at about $300 million, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group said Monday.

The planes, powered by Rolls Royce engines, will be delivered beginning in May 1997.

The UPS order followed announcements Sunday at the Paris Air Show that Boeing had received orders for four 737-800s, and possibly eight others.

Atlanta-based UPS now has 18 757 freighters on order, with options for 36 more. The company currently operates 51 Boeing 757 freighters.

UPS was the launch customer for both the 757 and 767 freighters. The first 757 was ordered in December 1985 and went into service with UPS in September 1987, Boeing said.