Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Air Canada finalized an order for 61 new 737 MAX jets, which the Montreal-based airline placed as part of a fleet replacement program. In total, Air Canada will receive 33 737 MAX 8s and 28 737 MAX 9s, as well as 18 options and 30 rights to purchase additional 737 MAXs.
Boeing values the new order at $6.5 billion, at list prices.
"Our narrow-body fleet renewal program with the 737 MAX is expected to yield significant cost savings and is a key element of our ongoing cost transformation program," stated Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu.
"Projected fuel and maintenance cost improvements of more than 20% per seat will generate an estimated CASM (cost per available seat miles) reduction of approximately 10% percent to our existing narrow-body fleet,” Rovinescu continued. “In addition, the 737 MAX offers improvements to the environment, making this the best choice for Air Canada."
The 737 MAX is a new series of narrow-body jets that Boeing is developing to replace the 737 Next Generation. It will be the fourth generation of the 737 since the airliner was introduced almost 50 years ago. Three variants — 737 MAX 7, MAX 8, and MAX 9 — are due for a commercial debut in 2017.
According to Boeing, the 737 MAX will have improved fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by 14%, compared to the current 737 Next-Generation, which it will replace. The OEM also claims the new jets will reduce the jets’ “noise footprint” by 40%.
"We're honored Air Canada selected Boeing for their single-aisle fleet renewal," stated Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will deliver big fuel savings to the airline while providing Air Canada's customers with best in class passenger amenities."
Boeing has booked over 1,900 orders from 37 customers for the new 737 MAX.
