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| Photo Boeing |
Boeing and International Airlines Group confirmed this week that had struck a deal for up to 150 of the firm's troubled MAX jets. This comprises of an option for 100 jets and a firm order of 50 aircraft, comprising of 737 MAX 8 and MAX 10 models.
Both the aircraft manufacturer and IAG are seeking to mislead passengers, by dropping the MAX mantle from all publicity over the deal, referring to the planes by just the designation of 737-8 and 737-10.
IAG had been talking with a European planemaker about a possible mass order however when Airbus refused to reduce by half the cost of each airline, the airline group, which includes British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia headed to the U.S. for a deal.
"The addition of new Boeing 737s is an important part of IAG´s short-haul fleet renewal," said Luis Gallego, IAG´s chief executive, who is banking on these jets to enable the group to be net-zero by 2050. Something which many aviation analysts say is not possible.
IAG is also going to be reducing seat-pitch by cramming in 200 seats to the 737 MAX 8-200 jets which would tie in with rumoured plans to turn all its airlines into a more low-cost model. IAG has said it will seat 230 people in the 737 MAX 10 jets.
"IAG has invested in a sustainable and profitable future, as both variants will significantly lower operating costs and CO2 emissions," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today's agreement for up to 150 aeroplanes, including 100 options, is a welcome addition of the 737 to IAG´s short-haul fleets and reflects our commitment to support the Group's continued network recovery and future growth with Boeing's unrivalled family of aeroplanes."
The 737 MAX variety of aircraft has a chequered history since the two fatal crashes cost the lives of nearly 360 passengers and saw a grounding of the type for nearly two years while Boeing tried to correct the design flaws and manufacturing issues that lead to the two disasters. According to manufacturing reports, some of the MAX jets currently being produced are showing an increased number of flaws or issues as Boeing ramps up production.
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