Kuwait aircraft leasing firm ALAFCO has placed a firm order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aeroplanes in a deal worth $2bn.
The company made a commitment to purchasing Boeing’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft at Farnborough Airshow in the UK in July.
ALAFCO chairman and chief executive officer Ahmad Alzabin said that with rising fuel costs, the 737 MAX aircraft would provide operational cost savings to airlines and be more environmentally friendly due to its engine technology.
"These are the advantages that airlines are looking for in the current competitive and demanding environment," Alzabin said.
Powered by CFM’s LEAP-1B engines, 737 MAX will be the latest new version of Boeing’s Next-Generation 737s.
As well as engines, aerodynamic improvements to the tail and new advanced technology winglet, the 737 MAX will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13%, and according to the Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer will offer an 8% operating cost advantage over future competition.
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By GlobalDataBoeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer Ray Conner said it was the first 737 MAX order for the Middle East, which is one of the aviation industry’s highest growth regions.
To date, Boeing has received 878 orders for the 737 MAX variant; it is due to enter service in 2017 and will be manufactured in Renton, US.
In March 2007, the aircraft leasing firm placed an order for six 737-800 jets with the last airplane delivered in July 2011.
Image: ALAFCO made a commitment to purchase 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s at the UK’s Farnborough Airshow in July 2012. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
