Singapore’s SilkAir has placed a $4.9bn firm order for 54 single-aisle Boeing 737 aircraft, which includes 23 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s.
It is the largest order placed by the carrier and marks the beginning of its fleet transition to Boeing jets.
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SilkAir chief executive officer Leslie Thng said that the 737 aircraft would allow the airline to expand its network of routes to more destinations and increase capacity on existing routes.
Capable of flying on longer haul routes, compared with rival jets in the category, the Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX will enable the carrier to open new routes, Boeing noted.
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of Boeing’s Next-Generation 737s.
Featuring improvements to the advanced technology winglet, the 737 MAX variant will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13%. In addition, according to the Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer, it will offer an 8% operating cost advantage over future competition.
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By GlobalDataBoeing 737-800, which replaces the 737-400 variant, is a stretched version of the 737-700 and can accommodate 162 passengers in a two-class layout or 189 in one class.
To date, Boeing has received 969 orders for the 737 MAX, which is scheduled to enter into service in 2017.
Net year-to-date orders for the 737s have reached 1,031.
SilkAir, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, currently operates flights to 42 destinations across 12 countries.
Image: The latest order marks the beginning of SilkAir’s fleet transition to Boeing aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
