Earlier today Airbus secured massive orders at the Dubai Airshow, however despite many problems for Boeing including having to resubmit software to the FAA following two fatal incidents relating to the type, and legal action by former 737-MAX pilots, Boeing is beginning to gain traction on the order of their newest aircraft in the 737-Family, the 737 MAX.
It was announced at the Dubai airshow today, that Turkish-based carrier, SunExpress, had exercised 10 options for 10 additional Beoing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, following renewal works of it’s fleet, having become a leading competitor in the leisure travel industry. The purchase, estimated to be worth around $1.2billion (US Dollars), adds to a previous order of 32 MAX-8 aircraft for the carrier, and is a shock to many in the industry amidst a current crisis of the type.
In a press release statement, SunExpress CEO, Jens Bischof, said:
We have a long standing, strong and trustful relationship with Boeing and thus we decided to turn our option into an order. We stand behind our strategic decision to phase the 737 MAX into our fleet for all of its economic and ecological advantages, mid- and long-term. We have full confidence that Boeing will deliver us a safe, reliable, and efficient aircraft. However, it goes without saying that this requires the undisputed airworthiness of the model, granted by all relevant authorities. Our utmost priority at SunExpress is and has always been safety.”
The move comes following a rapid expansion of the carrier, who currently bridge European and Turkish holiday destinations, significantly growing it’s number of routes to 100 throughout the past year; In the 2018-19 period, the carrier passenger count raised to a staggering 10million. The MAX series is the latest within the 737 family, offering seat range of 130 to 230, and the ability to fly up to 3,850nm, and no doubt will improve the fleet for years to come, as passenger numbers continue to grow.
Newly appointed Stan Deal, President & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement:
We are honored and humbled by the trust that SunExpress has placed in our team at Boeing. They have been a wonderful partner over the years, demonstrating every day the efficiency and reliability of the Boeing 737 across their growing network. We regret the impact the MAX grounding has had on SunExpress and their passengers. The Boeing team is working hard to safely return the airplane to service and providing the capacity for SunExpress to continue serving as the backbone of air travel in the Turkish tourism industry.”
What are your thoughts on this order? Would YOU fly on the 737-MAX when it eventually re-enters service? Let us know down below.
