Arajet orders 20 737 MAX Jets

Boeing has received a massive order from a brand new Caribbean airline Arajet that could see up to 20 737 MAX jets flying with the carrier from the Dominican Republic.

The order had been finalised in January and was showing as 'unidentified customer' in Boeing's order book and is for the MAX 8 variety with an option for an additional 15 jets. All in all with lease deals included could see the airline taking 40 Boeing aeroplanes in total. 

Photo dominicantoday.com

"The efficient Boeing 737 MAX, together with financial and operational support from our partners at Griffin and Bain Capital, gives us the solid foundation necessary to provide flights at affordable prices to travellers in the region," said Victor Pacheco Mendez, founder and executive officer of Arajet. "These partners believe in our vision and see the same bright future for this market and beyond. The entire team was elated to see our first aircraft arrive in Santo Domingo a few days ago, and we are eager to expand our fleet with more of these amazing jets in the months ahead."

"The 737 MAX is the perfect fit for Arajet and it's an honour to welcome this exciting new operator to the Boeing family," said Mike Wilson, vice president of sales, Latin America & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Flying an exclusive 737 MAX fleet will enable Arajet to save on fuel, maintenance and operations costs, and pass those savings on to its customers."

The carrier is scheduled to begin operations in May from Las Américas International Airport with an initial roster of destinations, including Jamaica, Costa Rica and Colombia. Flights to the U.S. will start later in the year with various destinations under consideration beyond Miami.  It hasn't ruled out transatlantic flights in future, however, the cost basis would need to come down dramatically for that sort of operation to be financially viable. 

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