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Boeing made a series of exciting announcements on the first day of the 2017 Paris Air Show, including the launch of the 737 MAX 10 as the newest member of the 737 MAX family.
The 737 MAX 10 will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever produced, according to Boeing.
The airplane has gained wide market acceptance with more than 240 orders and commitments secured from more than 10 customers worldwide. Customers will be announcing order details throughout the week.
“The 737 MAX 10 extends the competitive advantage of the 737 MAX family and we’re honoured that so many customers across the world have embraced the outstanding value it will bring to their fleets,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Kevin McAllister.
“Airlines wanted a larger, better option in the large single-aisle segment with the operating advantages of the 737 MAX family. Adding the 737 MAX 10 gives our customers the most flexibility in the market, providing their fleets the range capability, fuel efficiency and unsurpassed reliability that the 737 MAX family is widely known for.”
The 737 MAX 10 continues the MAX family’s range advantage over competing models and will deliver five per cent lower trip costs and five per cent lower seat-mile costs.
Design changes for the 737 MAX 10 include a fuselage stretch of 66 inches compared to the 737 MAX 9 and levered main landing gear. The airplane has the capacity to carry up to 230 passengers.
Other changes include a variable exit limit rating mid-exit door, a lighter flat aft pressure bulkhead and a modified wing for low speed drag reduction.
Like Boeing’s other 737 MAX models, the 737 MAX 10 incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
The 737 MAX continues to be the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 3,700 orders to date.
GECAS order
Boeing and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric, also announced an order for 20 737 MAX 10s at the Paris Air Show, converting 20 of its current MAX orders to the larger MAX 10.
“This 737 MAX 10 order further enhances our fleet with the newest technology, offering our customers commonality along with increased range and available seating,” said Alec Burger, president and chief executive officer of GECAS. “Combining the increased capacity of the 737 MAX 10 and the CFM International LEAP-1B engines offers our customers many benefits.”
GECAS has 170 737 MAX airplanes on order, the largest of any aircraft leasing company.
SpiceJet
Boeing and SpiceJet signed a memorandum of understanding for 40 737 MAX airplanes on June 19. The agreement, valued at $4.7 billion at current list prices, is split evenly between 20 new orders for the 737 MAX 10 and conversions of 20 of the low-cost carrier’s 737 MAX 8 airplanes from its existing order to 737 MAX 10s.
The order will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website once finalized.
“As a Boeing 737 operator and current customer of the 737 MAX, we are proud to be a part of the launch of the 737 MAX 10 and to be the first airline in India to order the newest version of the 737, which will enable us to maximize revenue on our dense routes while having a lower unit seat cost,” said Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director, SpiceJet. “With the introduction of our 737 MAXs next year, we will be able to further expand our network, while keeping our costs low for our customers.”
SpiceJet operates a fleet of 35 next-generation 737s and 20 Bombardier Q400s. The carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 200 airplanes by the end of the decade and looks to expand regionally with the new 737 MAX family of airplanes. SpiceJet will take delivery of its first 737 MAX in 2018.
AerCap
Boeing and AerCap announced an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The agreement, valued at US$8.1 billion at list prices, makes AerCap the largest customer for the 787 Dreamliner.
“The addition of these 30 Boeing 787 aircraft to our portfolio makes us the world’s largest owner of 787 Dreamliner,” said AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly. “This strengthens our ambition to satisfy our customers’ demand for an aircraft they truly value due to its economics, operating efficiencies and high levels of in-cabin comfort and innovation.”
AerCap has taken delivery of 55 787s, and now after this order will have a further 67 787s on backlog, including sale leasebacks.
ALAFCO
Boeing and Kuwait-based ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) announced a commitment for 20 737 MAX 8s at the 2017 Paris Airshow, valued at US$2.2 billion at current list prices.
ALAFCO, a global provider of commercial aircraft leasing products, already has unfilled orders for 20 737 MAX airplanes and was also one of the first Middle East customers for the 787 Dreamliner. The new commitment when finalized, will boost the lessor’s order to 40 737 MAXs.
“As a lessor, we are committed to provide our global customer base with technologically-advanced aircraft,” said Ahmad Alzabin, chief executive officer and vice-chairman, ALAFCO. “Fuel efficiency, operational reliability and efficiency are key factors for our airline customers and the 737 MAX will help us meet those demands in the single-aisle market.”
