Air Tanzania gets its first Boeing 737 MAX

First African airline to receive the 737-MAX 9

The new jet will enable Air Tanzania to open new routes within the continent and to India

Boeing and Air Tanzania celebrated the arrival of the airline's first fuel-efficient 737 MAX single-aisle jet this week. The East African airline is the first carrier in Africa to receive the larger 737- MAX 9 model as it aims to meet growing travel demand in West Africa, Southern Africa and India.

Boeing and Air Tanzania celebrated the arrival today of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX single-aisle jet. (Image: Boeing)

"The acquisition of our first Boeing 737- MAX 9 marks a significant milestone for Air Tanzania, a momentous occasion that echoes the spirit of the Wings of Kilimanjaro," said Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, Managing Director of Air Tanzania. "This advanced airplane is fulfilling our promise to deliver an extraordinary experience to our customer. As we ascend to new heights, Air Tanzania enhances the fleet's capabilities and exemplifies its commitment while extending our appreciation to Boeing as invaluable partners in enabling our vision."

Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners and one 767-300 Freighter. Since its delivery in June 2023, the 767-300 Freighter has solved critical cargo challenges across Africa while opening opportunities to move business globally. The airline has an additional 787- MAX 8 on order.

"Today marks an important milestone for Air Tanzania with the delivery of its 737 MAX, which is perfectly suited to connect the airline to prominent markets in Africa, providing it with enhanced capability and flexibility across its network," said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. "The 737- MAX 9, with its versatility and fuel efficiency, will support Air Tanzania's goal of opening new opportunities and expanding its network."

Air Algérie orders 8 Boeing 737 MAX jets, plus commits to 2 737-800 Boeing converted freighters

Algerian flag carrier to deploy 737- MAX 9 on short- and medium-haul routes

On Wednesday 21st at The Paris Air Show, Boeing and Air Algérie confirmed an order for eight fuel-efficient 737-MAX 9 jets as well as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). However,  the order is not new to the aircraft manufacturer as it was previously listed as for an unidentified customer on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

Air Algérie operates a single-aisle fleet of more than 30 737-500, 737-600 and 737-800 jets and by adding the 737- MAX 9, the airline to carry more passengers, increasing profitability within its network. With added capacity and increased profitability, the 737-9 is designed to serve 193 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of 3,300 nautical miles. The new jets are powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines. 

"This order will contribute to the development of the Air Algérie fleet," said Yacine Benslimane, general manager of Air Algérie. "This acquisition is part of Air Algérie's fleet extension strategy through the purchase of new aircraft."

"The 737-9 is ideally suited for Air Algérie's regional network, providing it with additional capacity and flexibility to operate seamlessly with its existing 737 fleet," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "In addition, the highly reliable and capable 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters will enable Air Algerie to capture growing cargo opportunities, expanding beyond its passenger business."

The 737-800BCF carries more payload (up to 23.9 tonnes) and offers more range (2,025 nautical miles) than previous standard-body freighters. Global customers have placed more than 250 orders and commitments for the 737-800 BCF.

Mega order for 737 MAX jets from Ryanair........up to 300 aircraft

The Irish low-fare airline Ryanair has made its largest Boeing order with up to 300 jets to help it dominate the European travel market.

The deal includes a firm order for 150 737-MAX 10 jets and options for 150 more aircraft. When finalized, and subject to all options being exercised, this deal is valued at over $40bn at current list prices and is the largest order ever placed by an Irish Company for US manufactured goods.

Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-MAX 8 -200 aeroplanes to accelerate its post-pandemic recovery and meet strong travel demand. The 197-seat 737-MAX 8-200 model has helped the airline reduce fuel use and emissions by over 20% compared to the older 737s they are replacing and reduces the space allotted to customers.  The new order adds the larger 737- MAX 10 variant, which with give the airline 228 seats to fill on each flight.  

The bombastic Ryanair Group CEO Michael  O’Leary said: "Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX-10s with our aircraft partner Boeing.  These new, fuel-efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21% more seats, burn 20% less fuel and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs."

According to the airline, this order will help it create 10,000 new jobs which will be located across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair operates and is either the No.1 or No.2 airline.

"The Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people," said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. "Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct aeroplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping the airline group achieve its goals."

Given the size and scale of the transaction, it will be subject to shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting on September 14th. 

Oman Air welcomes 5th Boeing 737 MAX jet

Earlier this month, Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, took delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 from CDB Aviation. The aircraft is the last in a series of five deliveries contracted as part of a sale and leaseback transaction with the global aircraft lessor, which is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing).

Designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, the 737 Max 8 is equipped with the CFM Leap 1B27 engines and configured with 12 Business and 150 Economy Class seats to support the carrier’s expanding network. Oman Air has been introducing routes throughout the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, as well as several cities in Europe, South Asia, and Africa, in recent years and is focused on growing additional connectivity to North and South America and Australia through strategic codeshares with its partner airlines.

Eng.Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “As air travel demand continues to grow post-pandemic, Oman Air has the opportunity to expand progressively. The latest addition to our fleet will serve both domestic and short-to-medium international sectors, further extending our seamless connectivity to a growing number of destinations.”

He added, “We are glad to have CDB Aviation as our partner in growth and continue to place ourselves at the forefront of aviation technology, enhance our operational efficiency, as well as provide our guests with an exceptional on-board experience.”

Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One Boeing 737-9 MAX to Copa Airlines

Aviation Capital Group announced the delivery of one new Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft on long-term lease to Copa Airlines earlier this week.  This Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, is the final aircraft to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-and-lease back transaction between ACG and Copa Airlines.

Aviation Capital Group was founded in 1989 and is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2022, which are leased to approximately 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. ACG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

Aviation Capital Group deliver a Boeing 737-9 MAX to Copa Airlines

Aviation Capital Group LLC announced at the end of last week the delivery of one new Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft on long-term lease to Copa Airlines. This Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, is part of a multiple-aircraft sale-and-lease-back transaction between ACG and Copa Airlines and is the ninth Boeing aircraft currently on lease from ACG to the airline.

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Copa Airlines gets another Boeing 737 MAX 9

Copa Airlines has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet, powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, on a long-term lease deal from Aviation Capital Group.

The plane is part of a multiple-aircraft sale-and-lease back transaction between ACG and Copa Airlines and is the eighth Boeing aircraft currently on lease from ACG to the airline.

“We are pleased to build on our long-standing relationship with Copa Airlines and to support the airline’s current fleet expansion requirements,” said Marine Benoit, ACG Vice President Marketing for the Latin American region.

“The delivery of this aircraft will help continue the expansion of the Hub of the Americas with more frequencies and destinations for the convenience of our passengers. It will be yet another step in our efforts to increase our capacity to meet passenger demand,” said Jose Montero, Senior Vice President of Finance at Copa Airlines.

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Other airlines featured include Air China,  Xiamen Air and China Southern 

Alaska Airlines recalibrates Boeing 737-MAX 9 order

Alaska Airlines announced plans this week to change its mainline fleet by adjusting our current 737 MAX 9 aircraft order with Boeing to include the bigger 737 MAX 10 and longer-range 737 MAX 8 jets. According to the airline, these additional 737 models will enhance Alaska's ability to meet specific market requirements with optimal aircraft size and capability.

"We're excited to add these new 737 models to our fleet and continue our upgauging strategy, which maximizes our revenue opportunity with more seats while reducing unit costs," said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "This announcement is a further step in our drive toward a single fleet featuring Boeing aircraft and CFM engines – we are very appreciative of their partnerships."

The airline expects to take delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 aeroplanes in the second half of 2023 and the first 737 MAX 10s in early 2024. 

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Corendon Airlines Group to get Boeing 737 MAX jets from Air Lease Corporation

Aircraft leasing giants Air Lease Corporation has confirmed the placement of nine new Boeing 737 Aircraft with the Corendon Airlines Group.

The deal includes five new 737-MAX 8 aircraft to be delivered this year to Corendon Airlines (Turkey) and one new 737 MAX 8 delivered next year.  Corendon Airlines Group will lease three new 737MAX 9 aircraft that are scheduled to deliver to the airline starting in the first half of 2023.  

“ALC is a major lessor to the Corendon Airlines Group with three operating airlines in the Netherlands, Malta and Turkey, and we are pleased to announce these lease placements today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “These nine new Boeing 737 aircraft offer the most modern, fuel-efficient new technology that will greatly enhance Corendon’s overall fleet operations and passenger experience.”

“We appreciate and thank ALC for the long-time cooperation and fleet support,” said Yildiray Karaer, Chairman of the Corendon Group.

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13 more Boeing 737 MAX 9s for Alaska Airlines

Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of First of 13 New Boeing 737 Aircraft to Alaska Airlines

 Air Lease Corporation announced the delivery of one new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft on long-term lease to Alaska Airlines.  Featuring CFM International LEAP -1B engines, this is the first of 13 new 737 MAX 9 aircraft confirmed to deliver to the airline as announced in November 2020 from ALC’s orderbook with Boeing.  This new 737 MAX 9 from ALC joins six 737 MAX currently flying in Alaska Airlines’ fleet. 

“ALC is pleased to announce this first of 13 new 737-9 aircraft delivery to Alaska Airlines today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “These new 737-9s from ALC will provide the most modern, fuel-efficient technology to advance the airline’s fleet modernization objectives.” 

“Alaska Airlines is excited to take delivery of our seventh 737-9 from Boeing today, extending our partnership with Air Lease Corporation,” said Nat Pieper, Alaska’s Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance and Alliances.  “Our 737-9 experience has been terrific to date.  The aircraft is fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, and our guests and teammates love flying it.”

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Alaska Airlines secures bigger discount from Boeing and confirms order for 12 more 737 MAX 9s

Options exercised for deliveries in 2023 and 2024 further enhance the airline's financial and sustainability outlook

Alaska Airlines confirmed today that it is accelerating its fleet growth by exercising options early on 12 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft after securing a larger discount from the plane manufacturer. The option aircraft are now firm commitments for 2023 and 2024. 

Alaska announced a restructured agreement with Boeing in December 2020 to acquire 68 737 MAX 9 aircraft between 2021 to 2024, with options for another 52 deliveries between 2023 and 2026. This year, the airline has exercised 25 of the options, including 13 planes in May. As part of this transaction, Alaska will add 25 options to backfill the ones that have been exercised.

"We are excited to accelerate Alaska's growth, building on our solid financial foundation that enabled us to weather the pandemic," said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances. "These aircraft are a prudent, long-term investment in our business that we can make while simultaneously maintaining our strong balance sheet."

Deliveries	2021	2022	2023	2024	TOTAL
Original Firm Order	12	31	13	12	68
May Option Exercise	-	-	9	4	13
August Option Exercise	-	-	10	2	12
TOTAL	12	31	32	18	93

New 737 MAX 9 for Aeromexico

 New Boeing 737-MAX 9 for Aeromexico on lease from Air Lease Corporation

Leasing giant Air Lease Corporation has delivered one new Boeing 737- MAX 9 aircraft on long-term lease to Aeromexico. This is the first of four new Boeing 737- MAX 9s Aeromexico has committed to lease long-term from ALC.

“ALC is pleased to deliver this new 737-9 aircraft to our long-term customer, Aeromexico, today,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “This new technology 737-9 from ALC will play a key role in Aeromexico’s route network and overall fleet operations.” 

Aeromexico is one of Mexico’s leading global airlines has its main hub at Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of over 100 Boeing 737, 787 and Embraer E190 aircraft models. It was also a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance which serves in 170 countries by the 19 SkyTeam airline partners. 

The airline is currently battling restrictions imposed for U.S authorities over safety issues which means it won't be able to increase capacity on services into the states for some time to come which may hamper 737 MAX scheduling, where the - 9's were originally destined to go. 

Many in Mexico are angry that the national carrier and its leasing partners are renaming the aircraft the 737-9 in all publicity,  "It is a morally bankrupt decision to mislead the travelling public who rightly distrust the 737 MAX name and aircraft." one aviation correspondent told us on Tuesday.   

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Alaska Airlines confirms order for more 737 MAX jets

An Alaska 737-9 departs Boeing Field. (Boeing Photo)

Alaska Airlines has put its confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX jet and confirmed an order for 23 737 MAX 9 aircraft. This deal was first announced in December 2020 as a commitment but now has been confirmed. It also includes options for 15 more aircraft.

In common with other airlines, Alaska is seeking to drop the MAX title from the aircraft and just refer to them as the 737-9 type, to disassociate the jets from the two fatal crashes that saw the type grounded over safety issues for around two years. 

With this additional confirmation, Alaska Airlines has orders for a total of 120 737 MAX aeroplanes.

Alaska Airlines received its first 737-MAX 9 in January and began revenue service on March 1. Its second 737-9 entered service on March 18, with two additional 737 MAX 9s scheduled to begin revenue service next week. The airline is embarking on a fleet modernization program to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of its operations. The 737-MAX 9 – equipped with new, more fuel-efficient engines and improved aerodynamics – will use 20% less fuel and reduce emissions by 20% per seat compared to older 737 aeroplanes it replaces.

Photo Alaska Airlines 

Photo Alaska Airlines

Photo Boeing

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Alaska Airlines pushing for 1st March operational date for its first Boeing 737 MAX 9 that arrived over the weekend.

The Seattle based U.S carrier Alaska Air has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft which it plans to put into commercial operations from 1st March. 

The aircraft was flown from Boeing's Delivery Center at Boeing Field in Seattle to the company's hangar at Sea-Tac International Airport by the airlines own pilots and with a small group of Alaska's top leadership on board on 24th January.

"We've eagerly waited for this day. It was a proud moment to board our newest 737 aircraft and fly it home," said Alaska Airlines President Ben Minicucci. "This plane is a significant part of our future. We believe in it, we believe in Boeing and we believe in our employees who will spend the next five weeks in training to ensure we're ready to safely fly our guests."

The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have been grounded for nearly two years over a series of safety flaws and issues after two deadly crashes involving the model claimed the lives of over 320 people.

Alaska Airlines pinning future operations on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with restructured arrangement for 68 jets with options on 52 more

The Seattle based Alaska Airlines has confirmed today that it has entered into an agreement with planemaker Boeing over the restructuring the firm's order of the flawed twin jets. 

Alaska Airlines will now take an amazing 68 Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft with options for an additional 52 jets with a 49% discount on list prices, according to sources at the airline. The new schedule will see 13 aeroplanes arrive during 2021, whilst another 30 to come the year after. During 2023 the company will have a delivery of 13 jets and the remaining 12 aircraft will arrive during 2024.

Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group said: "We are extremely proud to be announcing this transformative agreement with Boeing.  We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this pandemic. We could not ask for a better partner than Boeing and we are delighted to be standing side by side with them as we work together to get our economy back on its feet."

Alaska Airlines going ahead with 737 MAX delivery

Preparing for the Boeing 737 MAX to safely join 

Alaska Airlines fleet

On November 18, 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified the Boeing 737 MAX, giving the approval to all airlines, including Alaska, to begin the process of bringing the aircraft back into service. The airline's first aircraft, a MAX 9 model, is currently scheduled for delivery in early 2021 and will begin passenger service in March 2021.

The airlines says that before the MAX is added to the fleet, its team of pilots, maintenance technicians and safety experts will put the plane through its paces – flying more than 19,000 miles and over 50 flight hours to test the aircraft. "We will activate our training programs and make sure our employees are ready. We’ve been closely testing, verifying and implementing all the necessary processes to ensure the MAX aircraft meets our high safety standards." The airline said in a statement,  "At Alaska, safety is always priority number one. If an aircraft is not safe, we won’t fly it."

The 737 MAX was designed with larger, more efficient engines. To help pilots with the handling of the aircraft, Boeing implemented new flight control software called MCAS, or Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System. MCAS relied on information from a single sensor to monitor the angle of the plane. In two accidents, the sensor – an ‘angle of attack’ vane – gave incorrect data to MCAS, which caused the system to activate repeatedly.

Boeing has since made key changes to prevent the previous issues from happening again:

Shares fall as Boeing reduces production rates of grounded 737 Max jets

The US plane-maker is adjusting the production rates of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, dropping from 52 to 42 aircraft each month from the middle of April.  Boeing says that reducing the rate to 42 aircraft a month will ensure production teams will remain employed.

Boeing’s decision to reduce production has hit the share prices of bother Boeing and a number of its suppliers on Monday. Boeing's shares went down in value by about 2.7% while shares in Safran, Meggitt and Melrose all seeing falls between 1% to 2.5%.  

Deliveries of the 737 Max aircraft have been on hold since aviation safety bodies around the world banned the type from flying in their airspace following two fatal crashes in the space of five months.  The last major national air safety board to ground the jet was the FAA from the US who supposedly certified the aircraft safe to fly, however, there was a large amount of self-certification by Boeing regarding its Max variety of 737. 

On Friday 5th April, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg issued a statement saying "safety is our responsibility, and we own it." which many in the industry are considering is the problem, "safety isn't the sole responsibility of the manufacturer, it shouldn't be 'owned' by them, if any organisation should at all that should 'own' safety it should be the regulators. The problem self-certification even for the most simplest of things is that it opens the door to actual or perceived less rigorous checks." Our chief aviation correspondent Jason Shaw said. 

Boeing's CEO responds to Ethiopian Airlines crash announcement

Dennis Muilenburg, the Chairman, President & CEO of  The Boeing Company issued an apology, of sorts, on Thursday, April 4th, in reply to the preliminary report announcement from the Ethiopian Authorities indicated the anti-stall system on its 737 max aircraft was to blame for the crash that killed all onboard.

In the video, the Boeing boss says the tragedies weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of all at Boeing and the firm extends its sympathies to the loved ones of the passengers and crew of those on the two 737 max 8's that crashed. Yet at the same time, it's legal teams have been instructed to fight vigorously all lawsuits filed against the firm for compensation. 

Boeing says it continues to work with the US Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory agencies worldwide on the development and certification of the MCAS software update and training programme. However, that holds little sway with many in the industry as to a large extent Boeing self-certificated the 737 Max range of aircraft, with the blessings of the FAA. It was treated as just a modification of the forerunning 737 models, rather than that of a new design, which would have had a more rigorous examination and certification programme.  Boeing advises they are "working to demonstrate that we have identified and appropriately addressed all certification requirements and will be submitting for FAA review once completed in the coming weeks. Safety is our first priority, and we will take a thorough and methodical approach to the development and testing of the update to ensure we take the time to get it right."

Some industry commentators are estimating the earliest the 737 Max 8 and 9's will be back in the air will be the Middle of May, whilst others are less optimistic saying the troubled craft will not get the all clear with the new software update until the autumn. 

Read the full statement below.

No current plans for to let the 737 Max jets back in Saudi Arabian skies

News agency Reuters is reporting that Saudi Arabia has no plans to allow Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to operate in the kingdom according to the transport minister,  as state airline flyadeal reconsiders an order for the jets. 

The 737 Max 8 and 9 models have been grounded globally after two fatal crashes with striking similarities within five months of each other.  "There were no 737 MAX flying in the kingdom at the time and there aren’t plans for them to be back in the near future,” minister Nabeel al-Amudi told reporters at an aviation conference in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia will follow the global aviation industry in any recertification of the MAX, Amudi said. 

The local budget airline flyadeal will wait until investigation reports into the two crashes are released before decided if it will continue with an order of up to 50 of the jets, worth $5.9 billion at list prices, according to the US manufacturer.

Garuda set to cancel Boeing 737 Max order....could more follow?

Garuda Indonesia plans is all set to cancel a major order it placed with the US plane manufacturer of the 737 Max jets.

According to various media reports the airline is on the cusp of cancelling an order worth $6 billion - £4.5 billion at list prices for 49 of the troubled 737 Max aircraft. The airline has already received one out of an order of 50 planes placed in 2014.

If the reports are confirmed it would be the first formal cancellation Boeing has received since the two crashes of its latest 737 variety in recent months. of an order for the aircraft.  According to AFP, a Garuda spokesperson said, "We have sent a letter to Boeing requesting that the order be cancelled." 

The spokesperson, Ikhsan Rosan also said,  "The reason is that Garuda passengers in Indonesia have lost trust and no longer have the confidence" in the 737 Max aircraft and it was awaiting a response from the company. Garuda CEO Ari Askhara told news agency Reuters on Friday: "Many passengers told us they were afraid to get on a MAX 8."