Boeing Commercial Airplanes is starting the year with what it called a “milestone order” for its new generation of 737 jets, the narrow-body aircraft that is the mainstay of airlines and leasing agencies that dominate the OEM’s customer base. Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has placed orders for 60 new 737 MAX airplanes, including 50 737 MAX 8s and 10 737 MAX 9s. Boeing noted the order, finalized last month, carries a total value of $6 billion at current rates.
"This order is a major step in building our broad portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient airplanes," stated ACG CEO Denis Kalscheur. Aviation Capital Group is a global commercial jet aircraft leasing and asset-management company with more than 240 aircraft in service, and nearly 200 on order.
"The 737 MAX enables us to offer our customers airplanes that provide the fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comforts needed to grow in tomorrow's marketplace," Kalscheur said.
There are now orders pending for 1,029 of Boeing’s 737 MAX, a new family of aircraft and the fourth-generation of the 737 series that originated in 1967 with the Boeing 737. Boeing’s 737 MAX is scheduled for a commercial debut in 2017.
The new jets will have larger and more fuel-efficient engines (CFM International LEAP-1B) and an airframe modified to improve the crafts’ fuel consumption. Boeing noted that design improvements like the Advanced Technology Winglet will cut the 737 MAX fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13% and maintain an 8% operating cost advantage over its expected competition.
"We are proud of the confidence that ACG has placed in the 737 MAX," stated John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will deliver to ACG's customers unsurpassed efficiency in the single-aisle market as well as improved environmental performance."
The OEM said the new design’s efficiencies have driven operators’ demands for the 737 MAX.
"Reaching 1,000 orders in just over a year's time from our first order validates the exceptional value the 737 MAX offers our customers," stated Bob Feldmann, BCA’s v.p. and general manager for 737 MAX. "Customers are expressing confidence in our ability to deliver improved performance on schedule."
