Boeing, SpiceJet deal for up to 205 aircraft
Boeing and Indian LCC SpiceJet announced a commitment for up to 205 aircraft during an event in New Delhi, on Friday, 13th of December 2016.
Booked at the end of 2016, the announcement includes 100 new 737 MAX 8s, SpiceJet’s current order for 42 MAXs, 13 additional 737 MAXs which were previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website, as well as purchase rights for 50 additional airplanes.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said: “The Boeing 737 class of aircraft has been the backbone of our fleet since SpiceJet began, with its high reliability, low operation economies and comfort. With the next generation of 737 and the 737 MAX we are sure that we can be competitive and grow profitably.”
Ray Conner, Vice Chairman of the Boeing Company, stated: “We are honored to build upon more than a decade of partnership with SpiceJet with their commitment of up to 205 airplanes. The economics of the 737 MAXs will allow SpiceJet to profitably open new markets, expand connectively within India and beyond, and offer their customers a superior passenger experience.”
SpiceJet, all-Boeing jet operator, placed its first order with Boeing in 2005 for Next-Generation (NG) 737s and currently operates 32 737 NGs in its fleet.
Boeing claimed that the 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.