GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has placed a $8.4bn firm order for 85 Boeing 737 jets, which includes 75 737 MAX 8s and ten Next-Generation 737-800s.
The order was first announced by GECAS at the UK’s Farnborough Airshow in July and allows for up to 15 additional 737-800s.
GECAS president and chief executive officer Norman Liu said the 737 MAX would complement the company’s fuel efficient aircraft fleet, which offers airline customers low operating costs.
Boeing is expected to begin deliveries of 737 MAXs in 2018.
Powered by CFM’s LEAP-1B engines, 737 MAX is a new version of Boeing’s workhorse single-aisle aircraft and builds on the strengths of the current Next-Generation 737s.
It reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13%, and according to Boeing, it offers an 8% operating cost advantage over future competition.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataWith the latest firm order, GECAS’s orders to Boeing has reached 580 aircraft since 1995, which includes 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s.
The Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft incorporates an advanced-technology Blended Winglets that offers increased fuel capacity and efficiency and can accommodate between 162 and 189 passengers.
Boeing said the deal reflected the demand for 737 MAX and Next-Generation 737 in the aeroplane-leasing industry. To date, the company has received 821 orders for 737 MAX jets.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said the 737 aircraft feature increased fuel efficiency and technological advancements.
The aircraft manufacturer stated it expected to have 1,000 orders booked for 737 MAX by the end of this year.
GECAS operates a fleet of some 1,710 owned and serviced aircraft, with 235 airlines in more than 75 countries worldwide.
Image: With the latest deal, GECASs orders to Boeing reached 580 airplanes since 1995. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
