Macquarie AirFinance puts on order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Boeing and Macquarie AirFinance announced this week that the lessor has made its first direct order for Boeing aeroplanes. The purchase of 20 737 MAX 8s doubles Macquarie AirFinance's existing 737 MAX 8 order book, which it acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023.  By expanding its 737 MAX portfolio, Macquarie AirFinance will scale up its fleet of the poorly designed aircraft that continue to suffer safety issues following two fatal crashes. 

"The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport. This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft," said Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance.

"As single-aisle fleet renewals gain momentum, Macquarie AirFinance's choice of the 737-8 will allow its customers to phase out older aeroplanes and operate the industry's most fuel-efficient jets," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Lessors such as Macquarie AirFinance are key partners to Boeing and our airline customers, supporting aeroplane deliveries and offering financial solutions to carriers that want to renew or grow their fleets with the 737 MAX."

.

Alaska Airlines announces major expansion of First Class and Premium seating

This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to Alaska's mainline fleet, providing passengers with even more opportunities to upgrade to a premium experience  Starting in September, Alaska Airlines will begin rolling out additional First Class and Premium Class seating across more than 200 aircraft, including 900ERs, 800s and MAX9s. This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to the mainline fleet. Earlier this year, the carrier successfully retrofitted its entire regional fleet, adding 400,000 Premium Class seats to the Embraer E175 aircraft.

New seating configuration 737-800 (current—new)

New seating configuration 737-900ER / MAX9 (current—new)

More First Class and Premium seating   By increasing the number of seats available in these classes, Alaska are making it easier than ever for passengers to upgrade while also meeting the growing demand for premium seating.  First Class  In partnership with RECARO, Alaska Airlines further enhances its offering to provide passengers with ultimate comfort seats that are featured in the new First Class seats that have been installed on the Boeing 737-800 fleet. These new seats offer the most legroom and features include a calf rest, new seatback device holder, 6-way headrest with neck support and USB-C charging capabilities.

Premium Class & Main Cabin  In Main Cabin and Premium Class of the 737-800 fleet, passengers will continue to experience comfort and convenience at every seat with improved features, including new device holders with built in cup holders, USB-C charging and a 6-way headrest with dedicated neck support.  As the airline modifies the 737-900ER fleet to increase Premium Class by converting six of the Main Cabin seats, these aircraft will receive an interior refresh, bringing modern touches like device holders in the main cabin to the backbone of our fleet. All 737 MAX 9 aircraft, among the newest in the fleet, will also get six additional seats converted to their Premium cabins, enhancing the comfort and luxury the airline offers customers.

Aviation Capital Group expands order for Boeing 737 MAX portfolio by 35 Jets

 Boeing and Aviation Capital Group LLC have inked a deal today for an order of 35 737 MAX jets, including 16 737 MAX 8 and 19 of the larger 737 MAX10 variant. Following an incremental 737 MAX order last year, this new purchase increases ACG's 737 MAX commitment to 82 orders as ACG seeks to profit from growing travel demand. 

"This firm order for additional 737 MAX aircraft enhances the strategic value of ACG's order book, supports a key pillar of our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to invest in modern and fuel-efficient aircraft technology," said Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President at ACG. "We look forward to supporting our airline customers throughout the world with these highly versatile and fuel-efficient aircraft."

The 737 MAX 8 can carry up to 210 passengers based on the tightest configuration, while the 737 MAX 10, the largest 737 MAX model is said to accommodate 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles.  

"Today's repeat order demonstrates market demand for the 737 MAX family of aeroplanes as ACG's customers seek to operate flexible, fuel-efficient fleets," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "ACG has been a longstanding, valued partner on the 737 MAX program, and we look forward to working together to deliver the latest aeroplane technology to its airline customers."

Aviation Capital Group is one of the world's premier full-service aircraft asset managers with over 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2024, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and provides certain aircraft asset management services and aircraft financing solutions for third parties. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

.

Phoenix Aviation Capital and AIP Capital form agreement to buy 10 CFM LEAP-1B engines

Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor, and AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management and investment firm, today announced an agreement to acquire a portfolio of ten LEAP-1B engines from CFM International*.

The agreement demonstrates the strong relationship between the parties and CFM and will support the lessor's growth and mission of meeting the fleet and financing needs of its global airline customers. The state-of-the-art LEAP-1B engines are scheduled to be delivered between Q3 and Q4 2024.

Phoenix is managed exclusively by AIP and benefits from AIP's extensive experience in aviation and leadership. Mathew Adamo, Managing Partner at AIP, who serves on Phoenix's Board commented, "This order reflects a milestone in both AIP Capital's and Phoenix's growth strategy. We are excited to further expand our relationship with CFM and recognize the reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance of the LEAP engine family."

"We are proud to deepen our relationship with Phoenix Aviation Capital," said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. "This agreement bolsters our shared mission to reduce aviation's environmental impact and to lower operational costs for airlines through advanced technology and exceptional service and support."

The agreement bolsters Phoenix's portfolio which is comprised of new generation aircraft on long-term leases to a diversified customer base of airlines across the globe. Additionally, Phoenix has an orderbook of 30 737 MAX 8 aircraft with Boeing.

*CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

.

AIP Capital is a full-service aviation asset manager focused on opportunities in the aviation sector. AIP Capital believes its unique capital structure, relationships, and hands-on approach enable the firm to provide creative and bespoke solutions for airlines and other counterparties across market cycles.
Phoenix Aviation Capital is a full-service aircraft lessor focused on financing modern, in-demand aircraft and is dedicated to meeting the financing needs of its airline customers across the globe. 

Alaska Airlines honours US military with newest aircraft livery

As the USA celebrates Independence Day, Alaska Airlines has unveiled its latest livery as a tribute to service members past and present. 

In partnership with Boeing, the airline was proud to unveil the specially designed “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft. The design, which is almost identical to three other jets, features a new patriotic paint scheme with symbolic imagery representing all six branches of the US Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

From its star-spangled design to the heartfelt message emblazoned on its side, this aircraft is a flying tribute to the courage and dedication of those who serve today, and those who served in the past. 

.

CDB Aviation leases two new 737 MAX 8 jets to TAROM

CDB Aviation has confirmed the signing of lease agreements for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with a new customer, Romanian flag air carrier TAROM.

The two MAX aircraft, leased from CDB Aviation’s direct orderbook with Boeing, will support TAROM’s fleet modernization process, which is aimed to result in a standardized fleet and allow for a significant reduction in costs. The aircraft will be configured with 189 seats and scheduled to be delivered to the airline between December 2025 and January 2026.

“We look forward to forging a strong relationship with our newest European customer and one of the region’s oldest airlines, TAROM. Since its inception seven decades ago, TAROM is currently the longest operating airline of Romania, having played a central role in advancing the country’s aviation industry and its regional connectivity. With these MAX aircraft, TAROM will be able to continue to enhance its market position, while building one of the youngest fleets in the region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are thrilled to partner with CDB Aviation in our ongoing plans to modernize TAROM’s fleet, and the role of these two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft is to help us enhance operational efficiency and provide our passengers with a superior flying experience. We value CDB Aviation’s expertise and support for this investment, an important part of our company's development plan, in which the fleet update is a key element in bringing about a better commercial performance and growth outlook, and we are looking forward to introducing them in our regular flight planning,” commented Costin Iordache, TAROM’s Chief Executive Officer.

TAROM Romanian Air Transport was established in 1954 and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Transport, being a member of the SkyTeam Alliance since June 25, 2010. The Romanian flag carrier owns a fleet of 18 aircraft and has in its portfolio a number of 70 destinations operated with its own aircrafts or served by its code share partners. 

.

Air Canada to lease more Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets

The Canadian airline Air Canada has completed a lease deal with BOC Aviation Limited for eight Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

The airline is deliberately dropping the MAX from its publicity to obfuscate details from the flying public as to the model of aircraft they are passengers on. The eight aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024 and will undergo special safety-required modifications before entering service in 2025. The aircraft will initially operate with a single Economy class layout until they are reconfigured to fully match the onboard experience our customers enjoy in Air Canada's narrow-body, two-cabin standard at a later date. All eight aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.

"We look forward to these aircraft entering into service next year, upon the completion of some required modifications," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.   

"We are pleased that Canada's flag carrier, Air Canada, is working with us once again as it strengthens its network," said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. 

.



The Boeing 737 MAX 8 type has experienced a very troubled history, it is an aircraft that has been beset by significant flaws that led to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, resulting in a total of 346 fatalities. 

WestJet Group welcomes two additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to growing fleet

          The WestJet Group today announced it will acquire two additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, one from Aviation Capital Group and one from High Ridge Aviation, to be integrated into the airline's operations in 2024. Earlier this month, the WestJet Group announced the addition of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in partnership with BOC Aviation Limited and a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with AerDragon. Today's announcement adds to the growing list of new-to-WestJet aircraft joining the Group's fleet this year.

"In partnership with Aviation Capital Group and High Ridge Aviation, we are thrilled to add these aircraft to our Boeing 737 MAX family, as we further reaffirm our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "Today's fleet additions are critical to the execution of our ambitious growth strategy as we work to provide more critical air access to Canadians."

While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline's network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines' existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible. 

"ACG is proud to expand its partnership with WestJet and to partake in its ambitious growth plans," said Alan Mangels, Vice President of Marketing for ACG. "The addition of this latest technology aircraft will not only support WestJet's growth objectives but will also do so in an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient way."

"We're pleased to support the fleet needs of our long-time friends at WestJet, where our team's connections date back a quarter century," shares Greg Conlon, CEO of High Ridge Aviation. "Our highly experienced team and extensive relationships throughout the industry enable us to skillfully manage our fleet."

.  

Arajet takes delivery of its 10th Boeing 737 MAX

Arajet’s 10th Boeing 737 MAX arrived today in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic as the airline continues to grow its fuel-efficient fleet. This 737 MAX 8 delivery through a lessor supports Arajet’s growth strategy throughout the Americas as the airline plans to more than double its routes in the next few years.

“This tenth aircraft is unique, not only because it has a special Dominican ribbon painted on the fuselage, but because it will increase the number of connections we make with the continent. We are reaffirming our commitment to democratize the skies and be able to connect all our countries with the lowest possible prices,” said Victor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and founder of Arajet.

Since launching in 2022, Arajet has grown its all-737 MAX fleet to serve 23 destinations in 16 countries, including Canada, Mexico and Argentina. Arajet’s performance earned it recognition as the Startup Airline of the year at the World Aviation Summit in 2023.

Three more 737 MAX 8s for WestJet

Additional aircraft expected to join WestJet Group operations in 2024, supporting capacity growth plans 

The WestJet Group announced it will acquire an additional three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from BOC Aviation Limited. The three aircraft are expected to integrate into the WestJet Group's fleet and operations in 2024, following the completion of leasing agreements.

"We have an ambitious growth strategy, and the expansion of our fleet is critical to our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "Working with a trusted partner like BOC Aviation supports us in meeting our growth expectations for 2024."

While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline's network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines' existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible.

BOC Aviation agrees lease deal on three Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets to WestJet

BOC Aviation Limited has confirmed the placement of three used Boeing 737- MAX 8 aircraft with longstanding customer the WestJet Group. All three aircraft are powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines and are scheduled for delivery in 2024.

“We are delighted to welcome WestJet, one of Canada’s leading airlines, back to our customer base. This deal is a testament to our long-term relationship and our ability to evolve and meet our airline customers’ fleet expansion needs,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. “With this transaction, we have provided WestJet with one of the world’s most popular single-aisle jets, delivering from our fleet that comprises 77% latest technology aircraft.”

“WestJet has an ambitious growth strategy, and working with a trusted partner like BOC Aviation supports us in meeting our growth expectations for 2024,” said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. “We are seeing the benefits of our strategy come to life across our network and the consistent growth of our fleet capacity is essential to maintaining our momentum.”

.  

The WestJet Group adds three additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to fleet

Additional aircraft expected to join WestJet Group operations in 2024, supporting capacity growth plans 

The WestJet Group announced it will acquire an additional three Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from BOC Aviation Limited. The three aircraft are expected to integrate into the WestJet Group's fleet and operations in 2024, following the completion of leasing agreements.

"We have an ambitious growth strategy, and the expansion of our fleet is critical to our mission of providing affordable air travel to Canadians," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "Working with a trusted partner like BOC Aviation supports us in meeting our growth expectations for 2024."

While WestJet guests will benefit from the additional capacity across the airline's network, the aircraft will not immediately reflect the interior cabin experience, synonymous with the WestJet Group. Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of the aircraft will be prioritized as part of the airlines' existing fleet reconfiguration plans, to ensure a consistent experience for guests across its operation as soon as possible.

"We are delighted to support our long-term customer, WestJet, in its network growth," said Steven Townend Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. "Our provision of latest technology, fuel efficient aircraft will assist WestJet as it expands its business in the most cost-effective fashion."

"Two years ago, we set out a plan for growth that would maintain our position as both Canada's national leisure champion and western home carrier, while enhancing domestic connectivity from coast-to-coast," continued Scott. "We are seeing the benefits of our strategy come to life across our network and the consistent growth of our fleet capacity is essential to maintaining our momentum."

.  

Turkish Airlines to add One Airbus A330-300 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet on lease from CDB Aviation

Turkish Airlines to add One  Airbus A330-300 and six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to its fleet on lease from CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation, the aircraft leasing and management firm of the China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co. has confirmed the signing of new lease agreements for a fleet of an additional seven narrowbody and widebody aircraft to Turkish Airlines.  

The flag carrier of Turkey is getting one used Airbus A330-343 which is scheduled to arrive at the carrier during May this year. This widebody jet will help support the expansion of Turkish Airlines' mainline international operations. 

The carrier is also getting another six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and these will be received between 2025 and 2026 and will be used by subsidiary, Ajet. The new jets will be powered by CFM International Leap-1B engine and are coming from CDB's existing orderbook with Boeing.

“We are delighted to continue building upon a strong and long-term partnership with our valued customer, Turkish Airlines,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “The 737 MAX 8 aircraft will contribute toward the airline’s stated goal for Ajet to become an important part of the low-cost aviation industry on a global scale, while the A330 will provide the increased capacity to support its ever-expanding global network.”

NTSB investigating 'stuck' rudder pedals on United Airlines 737 MAX jet

Investigators at the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board  -  NTSB are looking into another incident involving the troubled 737 MAX aircraft, following an incident when the rudder pedals stopped working on a United Airlines plane last month.

The aircraft was performing flight UA1539, from Nassau, Bahamas, to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on 6th February 2024 when the incident occurred.  According to the preliminary report,  before the aircraft had reduced to taxing speed,  the rudder pedals for both the captain and the first officer stopped working. "The captain used the nose wheel steering tiller to keep the airplane near the runway centerline while slowing to a safe taxi speed before exiting the runway onto a high-speed turn-off," the report documented.  

The flight data recorder showed that the rudder surface position remained near its neutral position as the plane landed and during its rollout, despite the crew putting force on the rudder pedals, which was increasing.  The report said "Significant pedal force input was observed along with corresponding rudder surface movement. Afterward, the rudder pedals and rudder surface began moving as commanded and continued to function normally for the remainder of the taxi."  

737 MAX plane maker Boeing issued a statement this week,  "We worked closely with United Airlines to diagnose the rudder response issue observed during two 737-MAX 8 flights in early February. With coordination with United, the issue was successfully resolved with the replacement of three parts and the airplane returned to service last month."

.

Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

WestJet adding to fleet in 2025 through leasing of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Additional aircraft furthers WestJet's leading narrowbody order book, enhancing capacity to fulfil network growth

WestJet announced the acquisition of five brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, adding to the airline's already significant multi-billion-dollar investment in its orderbook. The airline expects to receive delivery of the aircraft in early 2025, after recently completing leasing agreements with China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Aviation) for three aircraft and international aircraft leasing company, Avolon for two aircraft.

"We are adding these five aircraft to our 737 MAX family very soon and look forward to this additional capacity enhancing our already forecasted fleet expansion, further enabling our execution of providing affordable and diverse air travel options for our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. "As Canada's coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier, the continued expansion of our fleet in tandem with our low-cost foundation is a key accelerator of our growth strategy."

Combined with its existing order book, WestJet will now receive as many as 22 brand new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes before the end of 2025, and up to 62 additional airplanes of this type before the end of 2028. This makes WestJet's narrowbody order book the largest of any Canadian airline.

"CDB Aviation values our expanding relationship with WestJet and we are pleased to be able to support the airline's fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner as we lease these three new fuel-efficient B737-8 aircraft direct from our orderbook," stated Jie Chen, CDB Aviation's Chief Executive Officer.

"We're delighted to be expanding on our strong relationship with Westjet and are pleased to support WestJet's fleet expansion needs from our Boeing orderbook," said Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon. "We expect to see continued growth for the aviation sector in the coming years, including in North America, and are excited to provide a fleet solution to a strategic customer in the region."

Lufthansa surprises Airbus by ordering up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Lufthansa has walked away from ordering more Airbus A320neo jets partly because of a long order backlog and jumped at a massive discount offered by U.S. planemaker Boeing for agreeing to buy up to 100 737-MAX jets.

Europe's largest airline group has placed a firm order of 40 Boeing 737-MAX 8 aeroplanes with an option to purchase up to 60 frames. Lufthansa is understood to have secured a discount of over 40% on the list price for the MAX 8 aircraft. Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG said the order was a strategic decision for the Lufthansa Group as it had been co-developer and launch customer of the 737.  

"Our relationship with the Lufthansa Group has led to a number of industry-changing achievements and we are delighted to see the 737 return to an original launch customer's fleet," said Stan Deal, president and CEO, of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes. 

However, the German love for Airbus has not been lost completely,  the group has placed an order for an additional 40 A220-300s to bolster its short and medium-haul fleet. The A220 has been in service with the Group since 2016 when SWISS put the first aircraft into scheduled service.

Carsten Spohr said that with the order of 40 A220s, the group was "continuing our unique partnership with Airbus, just a few months ago, as the largest airline customer, we received our 600th aircraft from Airbus, and we look forward to taking delivery of number 700. Our customers are looking forward to these additional modern, economical, and fuel-efficient aircraft."

"The Lufthansa Group was one of the first customers for the A220 and has successfully operated the aircraft in its SWISS route network ever since. We are delighted by this testimony of confidence from our long-standing partner and customer," said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “As the only clean sheet design aircraft and specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market the A220 is the most efficient solution in its category to support Lufthansa Group meeting its exciting airline development and sustainability objectives.”

The latest state-of-the-art A220-300 is the larger sibling of the successful A220 Family, carrying between 120 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 km). The aircraft offers 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft. It also has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, ensuring superior comfort. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

By the end of November, Airbus won 849 orders from 31 customers for the A220, of which 303 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 18 airlines worldwide on 1,350+ routes.

Malaysia Airlines gets the first of 25 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 jets from Air Lease Corp

Global leasing giant Air Lease Corporation has confirmed the first of 25 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 aircraft has been delivered to Malaysia Airlines Berhad from ALC’s order book with Boeing. Featuring CFM LEAP 1B-27 engines, this new Boeing aircraft is the first 737- MAX 8 addition to Malaysia Airlines’ fleet.

“We are thrilled to announce ALC’s first of 25 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 aircraft delivered to Malaysia Airlines,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “Our significant deal for 25 new Boeing 737- MAX 8 aircraft with MAB is a milestone transaction that demonstrates ALC’s commitment to the national carrier’s long-term fleet modernization and sustainability program. We are honoured to be the first to introduce the 737-8 to the airline.”

This Boeing 737 aircraft joins six Airbus A350-900 aircraft currently on long-term lease to the airline from ALC.

SCAT Airlines orders seven 737-MAX 8

SCAT Airlines orders seven 737-MAX 8 aircraft to expand its 737 MAX fleet. The latest order will nearly double SCAT's 737 fleet as the airline looks to open new routes to European destinations.

"SCAT Airlines is the most dynamically developing airline in Kazakhstan, and it has the largest aircraft fleet in the country," said Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines, adding "Replenishing the fleet with seven more Boeing 737-MAX 8 will increase the airline's carrying capacity. It will also positively affect the timely execution of flight schedules. The company will get an opportunity to expand its route network and offer passengers even more travel destinations."

Based in Şhymkent, Kazakhstan, SCAT serves an extensive network of domestic and international destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Central Asia. SCAT was the first airline in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates three 737-8 and five 737-9 aeroplanes. This order was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

"This repeat order is a testament to SCAT's confidence in the value, performance and reliability of the 737 MAX family," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We look forward to supporting their network expansion and continuing to play an integral role in their long-term success."